Russian Military Activities in the Central African Republic: A…

Recent reports highlight the misrepresentation of Russian military success in the Central African Republic. Despite claims of successfully combating militant groups, evidence reveals that Russian forces have escalated violence and systemic atrocities, while extracting wealth from the country. The U.N. emphasizes the negative impact of Russian involvement on peace efforts in C.A.R.

Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, the Russian Deputy Defense Minister and a special envoy of President Vladimir Putin, recently visited the Central African Republic (C.A.R.) on March 2 to reinforce military and economic backing for President Faustin-Archange Touadera. Reports from Sputnik Africa emphasized Russia’s military role in C.A.R. as significantly impactful in suppressing militant factions opposing the government, citing an anonymous Russian deputy ambassador to the United Nations.

However, this assertion is misleading. Russian military involvement in C.A.R. initiated in 2018 with the deployment of the Kremlin-backed Wagner group, now known as Africa Corps, tasked with assisting President Touadera. Multiple reports indicate that the overall security situation has not improved since their arrival.

Contrary to claims made by the Kremlin, Russian forces have reportedly escalated violence rather than promoting peace and stability. Investigations by The Associated Press revealed that Russian troops have become one of the most violent factions in C.A.R., contributing to widespread terror and corruption since their presence.

The Africa Corps, which succeeded Wagner, is alleged to maintain a campaign of terror in the region. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, between 2018 and 2024, Russian troops engaged in over 100 armed confrontations and were responsible for more than 362 incidents of violence against civilians, resulting in at least 786 deaths.

In exchange for military support, Russia has gained considerable control over C.A.R.’s natural resources, generating an estimated $500 million annually from gold, timber, and conflict diamonds. The impoverished nation has been mired in civil war since 2013, primarily driven by competition for its rich resources, including vital elements like uranium and cobalt.

President Touadera has proposed a peace initiative to facilitate former rebels’ transition to civilian life and signed a peace agreement with 14 militia groups in 2019. Despite these efforts, approximately 15% of former militants returned to their armed factions, and around 70% either integrated into government forces or allied with Russian units, according to a U.N. report from 2024.

Significant funding aimed at disarming rebel factions and quelling violence has largely been undermined by corruption, including $3.5 million from the U.S. Nearly six of the fourteen groups involved in the peace agreement have violated their commitments. Currently, at least 14 rebel groups are reported to control two-thirds of the C.A.R., including significant areas in the capital, Bangui.

The U.N. Security Council, as of October, expressed concern regarding armed confrontations in the northwest and eastern regions, highlighting the competition among armed factions for control over natural resources and key transportation routes. Civilians are increasingly vulnerable to ongoing instability, including kidnappings for ransom.

Investigative reports by Forbidden Stories reveal that the Kremlin has escalated its propaganda to enhance influence in C.A.R. and other African nations, utilizing a network of local journalists whose narratives are amplified by state-owned outlets and social media. Russian military interventions have been characterized by mass atrocities, including killings and torture, as per a U.S. Department of State report published in February 2024.

In January 2023, the U.S. deemed Wagner an international criminal organization due to a persistent pattern of egregious criminal activities in C.A.R. and Mali, involving mass executions and severe human rights violations.

The Russian military activities in the Central African Republic have intensified violence rather than contributing to the cessation of civil conflicts. Reliable reports detail that Russian troops have committed numerous atrocities while exploiting the nation’s natural resources. The United Nations has identified the corrupting influence of Russian operatives as a critical barrier to peace agreements.

Original Source: www.voanews.com