The Central African Republic (CAR) is at a crossroads as the government weighs two controversial security partnerships. On one side, the Wagner Group, which has long been accused of exploiting the country’s resources to fund operations. On the other, the Africa Corps, Moscow’s new military entity that demands a fixed monthly payment of 10 billion CFA francs. Both options, experts warn, could spell disaster for civilians caught in the crossfire.
same brutality, different payment models
For the people of the CAR, the choice between Wagner and Africa Corps may come down to a grim reality: the scale of violence and human rights abuses remains unchanged. The primary distinction lies in how these groups are funded. Wagner operated by looting the nation’s gold, diamonds, and timber, leaving behind a trail of economic devastation. Africa Corps, however, operates under the direct command of Russia’s Ministry of Defense, which demands a hefty financial tribute in exchange for its services.
This shift in structure raises concerns about accountability. Unlike Wagner, which functioned with a degree of autonomy, Africa Corps ties its actions directly to the Russian state. “Every crime committed by Africa Corps could legally implicate the Russian government,” explains a security analyst interviewed by Associated Press.
what Mali’s refugees reveal about africa corps
As the Africa Corps expands its presence in Africa, testimonies from refugees in Mauritania paint a harrowing picture of what may await the CAR. Thirty-four Malian civilians, who fled their homes after Africa Corps and Malian forces launched operations, described a campaign of indiscriminate violence. Their accounts include summary executions, mass rapes, and disappearances—many of which targeted the Peul ethnic group, accused of supporting jihadist factions.
Fatma, a survivor from Kurmare, lost her daughter during one such attack. “They took everything—jewelry, livestock, even our dignity. My son was shot. My daughter, already unconscious after a seizure, never woke up.” Her words echo the despair of countless families caught in the chaos.
Mougaloa, a Fulani herder, has yet to find her missing daughter. She witnessed her son, Koubadi, beaten and slaughtered in front of her. “If you don’t tell the army you’ve seen jihadists, they kill you. But if you do, the jihadists hunt you down.” This impossible choice reflects the policy of scorched earth employed by Africa Corps forces, where no one is spared—regardless of guilt or innocence.
hidden faces of africa corps: more than just russian fighters
The Africa Corps is not solely composed of Russian mercenaries. Reports suggest it recruits fighters from Belarus, Russia, and even several African nations. Investigators from the European Council on Foreign Relations estimate the group’s current strength in Mali at around 2,000 operatives. However, their true reach—and the extent of their atrocities—remains difficult to quantify due to widespread fear among civilians.
Survivors have shared chilling evidence, including videos of entire villages set ablaze and bodies missing organs—liver and kidneys—suggesting possible organ trafficking. While official civilian death tolls attributed to Russian forces have dropped (447 in 2025 compared to 911 in 2024), experts caution that these figures likely underrepresent the true scale of violence. Silence is enforced by terror.
“We know rapes, attacks, and murders are happening. Families are being torn apart. But identifying the perpetrators is nearly impossible when survivors dare not speak,” says Sukru Cansizoglu, a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Mauritania.
Centrafrique: a future under russian military control?
President Touadéra of the CAR has publicly favored Wagner, but Moscow appears determined to replace it with Africa Corps. The implications for the CAR are stark: either continued resource plunder with Wagner or a costly, state-sanctioned military occupation under Africa Corps. In both scenarios, civilians bear the brunt.
Key takeaways for the CAR:
- No safe option: Both Wagner and Africa Corps have been linked to war crimes, massacres, and systemic human rights abuses.
- Accountability risks: Africa Corps’ direct ties to the Russian government could make it harder to hold individuals accountable for atrocities.
- Civilian suffering: Testimonies from Mali suggest Africa Corps operates with total impunity, targeting entire communities under the guise of counterterrorism.
- Economic cost: While Wagner paid itself through looting, Africa Corps demands a monthly fee of 10 billion CFA francs—further straining the CAR’s already fragile economy.
