CAR Resists Russia’s Bid to Swap Wagner for Africa Corps

Officials in the Central African Republic (CAR) say Russia is pressuring the country to replace the Wagner mercenary group with Moscow’s state-run Africa Corps and is demanding monetary payment for continued security services, a move that has drawn hesitation from the CAR government.

The Russian request comes amid Moscow’s efforts to phase out Wagner following the 2023 death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash. Wagner has long provided security in CAR, helping President Faustin Archange Touadera secure power, including aiding his successful 2023 constitutional referendum campaign. In return, Wagner has gained access to the country’s mineral wealth, notably gold.

But according to a CAR military official who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, Russian Deputy Defense Minister visits earlier this year included demands to shift operations to Africa Corps and to start paying significant cash sums for continued Russian support. The official stated that the government prefers Wagner due to its battlefield effectiveness and influence over local forces.

“Wagner has connections with the officers, are feared operationally and have the resources,” the official said. “Authorities in Bangui said they are unable to pay the amount. Instead, they hope to compensate Russia with strategic and mineral resources, notably gold, uranium, and iron.”

A senior lawmaker with direct knowledge of the discussions confirmed the Russian demands and said that the CAR government has yet to finalize a proposal in response. Neither official disclosed the exact financial figure requested, though both indicated it was well beyond the country’s means.

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Russia’s Defense Ministry has not publicly responded to the reports.

The potential replacement of Wagner with Africa Corps marks a significant shift in Russian military involvement on the African continent. In Mali, a similar transition has already occurred, with Africa Corps replacing Wagner earlier this year. However, concerns persist in CAR that Africa Corps, under direct control of the Russian defense ministry, may focus more on training than combat — a change that could undermine CAR’s ongoing fight against rebel forces.

Wagner forces are credited with preventing rebel factions from retaking the capital in 2021, and many in CAR’s leadership are wary of jeopardizing this security arrangement. The country has been embroiled in conflict since 2013 when predominantly Muslim rebels ousted the president. A 2019 peace deal collapsed when several armed groups withdrew.

“In Mali, they forced them to accept the change,” said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. “I don’t think the Central African Republic has options since they chased away the Europeans.”

France, the former colonial power, had maintained a strong military presence in the country since CAR’s independence in 1960 but withdrew its last troops in 2022 following a breakdown in relations with the government.

As Russia seeks to expand Africa Corps' role, the CAR government remains cautious — unwilling to trade effective on-ground support from Wagner for a new arrangement it sees as more costly and potentially less effective in ensuring national stability.