The Central African Republic stands at a crossroads as it navigates the transition from the Wagner Group to the newly established Africa Corps. While President Touadéra appears keen on maintaining ties with Wagner, Moscow is pushing for the integration of Africa Corps, a move that raises significant concerns for the local population.
The cost of security: looting vs. cash
The financial arrangements for these paramilitary groups differ sharply. Wagner historically compensated itself through the systematic exploitation and looting of the country’s natural resources. In contrast, Putin is reportedly demanding a direct monthly payment of 10 billion CFA francs for the services of Africa Corps. Despite these different billing methods, the reality for civilians remains a grim equation: the same levels of brutality, massacres, and systemic violence persist, regardless of who is in charge.
Following the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin in June 2025, Africa Corps stepped in to replace Wagner in Mali. Any hopes that this change would bring relief to civilians were quickly extinguished. According to witnesses who fled to Mauritania, the personnel remain the same, and the state-funded massacres continue without interruption.
A shift in command and responsibility
The primary distinction between the two entities lies in their chain of command. Unlike the semi-autonomous Wagner, Africa Corps operates under the direct supervision of the Russian Ministry of Defence. This structural change theoretically makes the Russian government directly accountable for any war crimes committed by the group.
The composition of Africa Corps remains somewhat mysterious. While estimates suggest around 2,000 operatives are active in Mali, the group is not exclusively Russian. Reports indicate recruitment efforts in Belarus and several African nations, with refugees noting the presence of black soldiers speaking foreign languages among the paramilitary ranks.
Testimonies of terror from the field
The experiences of Malian refugees offer a terrifying preview of what might await the Central African Republic. Survivors describe a environment of indiscriminate killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence. One mother, Fatma, recounted how “white men” invaded her village of Kurmare, looting jewelry and killing her son. Her 18-year-old daughter also perished during the chaos.
The Peul community has been particularly targeted, often accused of harboring jihadist sympathies. Mougaloa, a Peul herder, witnessed her 20-year-old son being executed in front of her. She describes a desperate situation where civilians are caught between the military and insurgents: “If you don’t report jihadists, the army kills you. If you do, the jihadists kill you.”
A scorched earth policy
Displaced village leaders describe a “scorched earth” strategy where Africa Corps soldiers fire upon anyone they see without warning or interrogation. Evidence of these atrocities has surfaced on social media and through mobile phone footage, showing burnt villages and even reports of organ harvesting from victims.
While official figures suggest a decrease in civilian deaths compared to previous years, experts warn that these numbers are likely underreported. The pervasive atmosphere of fear prevents many victims from coming forward. As one United Nations representative noted, while the violence is undeniable, identifying the specific perpetrators remains a challenge due to the silence imposed by terror.
Join the official community
Stay updated through our official communication channels:
