In December, Central African Republic will hold its first elections since a referendum allowed President Faustin-Archange Touadera to pursue unlimited terms. Alongside concerns regarding his re-election, apprehensions about the deepening presence of Russian and Rwandan military interests are prominent. The Wagner Group has secured a strong foothold since 2018, managing military operations and the president's security, while Rwandan troops, part of a peacekeeping mission since 2014, expanded their presence following a 2021 attack. Initial operational tensions between Russian and Rwandan forces have since eased, clarifying their respective roles.
The Wagner Group has become deeply embedded in the Central African Republic, operating independently under its head of civilian operations, Dimitri Sytyi, and overshadowing traditional governance.
Since 2014, Rwandan troops have remained in CAR as part of a peacekeeping force, with an increase in special forces following an attack on the capital in 2021.
Initial tensions between Russian and Rwandan forces in CAR stemmed from overlapping mandates and unclear operational sectors, causing confusion regarding their roles and responsibilities.
Wagner Group currently manages the president's personal security and military operations in rebel-affected areas, while Rwandan forces focus on training in more stable regions.
Collection
[
|
...
]