Russia strengthens military foothold in Africa with car deal
Russia is substituting mercenaries from the private Wagner Group in Africa with its state armed forces, specifically the African Corps, an armed unit under the defence ministry. The transition began with the Central African Republic (CAR), where Russia has held significant influence for years.
What do you need to know?
- Russia replaces the Wagner Group: In the Central African Republic, Russia is deploying the African Corps, thus formalising its military presence in the nation.
- New defence agreement: President Touadéra is set to sign an agreement granting Russia access to mineral resources in exchange for security assurances.
- Russian influence in the region: Moscow aims to bolster its position in Africa, potentially impacting the sovereignty of the Central African Republic.
According to the French portal Africa Intelligence, the Central African Republic intends to terminate the agreement with the Wagner Group established in 2018 and sign a new one with the African Corps. This arrangement would formalise Russia's military involvement in the Central African Republic and allow it to take over and expand a permanent military base in Berengo, just 80 kilometres west of the capital, Bangui. The base, once the palace of Emperor Bokassa, could accommodate up to 10,000 soldiers, estimated the Central African opposition news agency, Corbeau News.
In exchange for the security guarantees declared by the Kremlin, the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, would grant Russia full access to the country's mineral resources, primarily gold and diamonds.
Moscow is exerting significant pressure on Touadéra to sign a new defence agreement this year, as it aims for the first official Russian military units to arrive in the African country by early 2026, as forecasted by Africa Intelligence.
The Kremlin has chosen a strategic moment to increase pressure, with Touadéra preparing for presidential elections scheduled for December, and he is relying on Russia's support.
Russia treats CAR as "conquered territory"
Such an agreement might lead to the loss of the African country's sovereignty and strengthen Russian influence in the region. According to Corbeau News, Russia already considers the Central African Republic as territory that has been effectively conquered.
"Unlike countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Ethiopia, with whom Moscow is still seeking closer ties, Bangui is seen as a stable, almost dependent partner," wrote Corbeau News on Monday, analysing Touadéra's absence in Moscow on 9th May, when the Kremlin celebrated the Western-boycotted anniversary of the end of the Second World War. According to the agency, Moscow did not invite Touadéra because they view his country as "already under its influence."
Following the death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, Moscow tightened its control over military operations in Africa. The Kremlin wants all mercenaries from private military companies to be subordinated to the defence ministry. They are present, among others, in the eastern part of divided Libya, in Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic.
