As the Syrian conflict saw Bashar al-Assad ousted from power, another ally of Moscow, Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-ArchangeTouadéra, remained entrenched in power thanks to Kremlin-backed mercenaries. Russian forces, including the notorious Wagner Group, have provided critical military support to Touadéra’s administration, which is grappling with armed rebellion and widespread instability.
The Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC-F), a coalition of rebel groups in CAR, views Touadéra’s reliance on Wagner as a crutch. “Without the protection of Wagner, he could not be president at this time,” said Aboubakar Siddick, the group’s spokesperson. He emphasized the rebels’ resolve to challenge Touadéra, inspired by Assad’s downfall.
The partnership between Moscow and CAR reflects Russia’s broader strategy in Africa, where the Kremlin has prioritized expanding its influence. Vladimir Putin’s recent meeting with Touadéra in Moscow underscores the significance of this relationship. Ahead of the talks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted the multidimensional cooperation between the two countries, particularly in sensitive security matters.
CAR, long plagued by decades of civil strife, serves as a microcosm of Russia’s strategy across Africa. Moscow has strategically stepped in where Western powers, particularly France, have withdrawn. The exit of French troops from CAR in 2022 left a vacuum that Russian mercenaries quickly filled. These forces have been instrumental in supporting CAR’s army in reclaiming rebel-held territories and preventing the nation’s collapse.
The shift in influence is not limited to CAR. Across the Sahel and beyond, Russia has become the partner of choice for several African nations grappling with armed conflict, coups, and insurgencies. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—countries that recently expelled Western troops—have turned to Russia for security assistance. This growing partnership has been accompanied by rising anti-Western sentiment, often fueled by Kremlin-backed propaganda campaigns aimed at discrediting Western powers.
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In CAR’s capital, Bangui, the growing reliance on Russia has been commemorated in physical form. Statues honoring Wagner figures YevgenyPrigozhin and Dmitry Utkin were unveiled in December 2024, months after their deaths. The monuments symbolize the mercenary group’s role in stabilizing the country, though their presence is not without controversy.
Critics argue that Russia’s involvement in CAR and other African states is far from altruistic. The Kremlin’s military support often comes with a hefty price tag. Wagner-linked companies, for example, control lucrative mining concessions in CAR, including the Ndassima gold mine. The proceeds from these resources are shrouded in secrecy, with little transparency regarding their destination.
The impact of Wagner’s economic activities in CAR highlights the transactional nature of Russia’s engagements in Africa. According to Martin Ziguélé, a former CAR prime minister and current opposition MP, payments for Wagner’s services are handled discreetly, with little oversight or accountability. The exploitation of CAR’s natural resources has exacerbated the country’s economic challenges, leaving its population—70% of whom live in extreme poverty—further marginalized.
Observers point to Russia’s need for revenue to sustain its war in Ukraine as a key driver of its African ventures. By leveraging Africa’s mineral wealth and filling the security void left by Western powers, Moscow gains both financial resources and geopolitical influence.
CAR is not an isolated case. From Libya, where Wagner supports General Khalifa Haftar, to Equatorial Guinea and the Sahel, Russia’s footprint in Africa is expanding. Moscow’s mercenaries and military advisors are often welcomed by leaders seeking to maintain power in the face of internal threats. However, this reliance on external forces raises questions about sovereignty and the long-term implications of such partnerships.
While Moscow’s influence grows, Western powers, particularly France, have struggled to maintain their foothold in Africa. The withdrawal of French troops from the Sahel has been accompanied by a public backlash, with leaders in the region accusing France of failing to respect local sovereignty. President Emmanuel Macron recently criticized African leaders for what he described as “ingratitude” toward French military interventions, but his remarks did little to mend strained relations.
In CAR, the Russian presence continues to dominate, offering a measure of stability at a significant cost. As Moscow deepens its ties across Africa, the long-term consequences of its involvement—both for the continent and the wider geopolitical landscape—remain uncertain.
