The Role of Russian Mercenaries in the Central African Republic’s Economy
The instability in the Central African Republic (CAR) since 2004, following a three-year civil war, has led to the government inviting Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group as trainers at the beginning of 2018. Since then, over 1,000 mercenaries have been integrated into the country’s institutions, targeting gold mining, diamonds, and timber extraction.
The Emergence of an Economy of Conflict
Wagner has not only infiltrated local markets through force and intimidation but also secured a foothold in the government of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra by installing a Russian adviser as his security chief, according to Christopher Faulkner and Raphael Parens for the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs.
The Consolidation of Territory, Politics, and Economy
Since 2019, Wagner has been involved in a broader consolidation of territory, politics, and economy, transforming what was once an economy that supported rebel groups into networks that reinforce the government Touadéra and enrich Russia.
