In a development that has attracted significant attention, hundreds of Russian Wagner mercenaries are departing from the Central African Republic (CAR), according to a spokesperson for the CAR presidency. However, the official clarified on Saturday that this does not signify a withdrawal but rather a rotation of forces.
Questions have arisen about the long-term intentions of the Wagner Group, a sprawling network of military and commercial operations led by founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. The speculations were sparked by a brief mutiny headed by Prigozhin in Russia last month, and further fuelled by the recent departure of large contingents of Wagner personnel from CAR.
Since 2018, Wagner mercenaries have assisted the CAR government in combating numerous rebel uprisings. Despite reports suggesting the group might be retreating, Albert Yaloke Mokpem, the CAR presidential spokesperson, insisted at a press conference in Bangui, the country’s capital, that “it is not a definitive departure but a rotation.”
He further explained that while some personnel have exited, others are set to replace them. Although the exact number of remaining forces is uncertain, estimations previously suggested that roughly 1,900 Russian mercenaries, including those from Wagner, were operating within the region.
An anonymous military source confirmed to Reuters the departure of several hundred Wagner troops, although no additional details were provided.
The implications of any restructuring of the Wagner Group’s operations within the CAR extend beyond the military sphere and into commercial interests. Analysts have claimed that Wagner obtained logging rights and control over a gold mine in the country. Additionally, the United States implemented sanctions on a CAR firm in June, along with other companies from the UAE, citing their involvement in illicit gold dealings to finance the Wagner Group.
This ongoing development continues to be closely monitored as it unfolds, considering the potentially significant military and commercial ramifications it holds for the Central African Republic and the Wagner Group’s expansive operations.
