Russia's Africa Corps set to take over Wagner's role in Central Africa
Russia is reinforcing its presence in Africa by deploying its state military force, Africa Corps, in the Central African Republic (CAR).
CAR aims to shift from Wagner Group's military aid to Russia's formalized military presence via Africa Corps.
This development follows the reorganization of Wagner's activities under Moscow, tightening Russia's control in its African engagements.
CAR is expected to ditch its pact with the mercenary Wagner military arm, while welcoming Africa Corps—Russia's official military wing—for the country's protection.
This deal would formalize Russia's military presence in the Central African Republic (CAR), including the construction of a permanent base in Berengo, located just 80 km west of the capital, Bangui.
The base could accommodate up to 10,000 servicemen for training purposes. In return for security guarantees, CAR would grant Russia significant access to the country's mineral resources.
Africa Intelligence reports that the Central African president is being forced to sign a defense deal with Africa Corps, the Kremlin's armed wing, before the end of the year.
Africa Corps, operating under the Russian Ministry of Defense, has assumed the roles previously held by Wagner mercenaries, providing security and training to CAR's military forces.
However, this partnership has raised concerns due to allegations of human rights abuses and economic exploitation.
Critics argue that such agreements may compromise CAR's sovereignty and entrench Russian influence in the region.
J. Peter Pham, former U.S. special envoy to the Sahel, told Al Arabiya that the initiative reflects the Kremlin's recognition of an opportunity to expand its influence, particularly following the withdrawal of French-led military forces from the region.
' If it's formalized, especially with the French withdrawal, it's certainly going to be a much more significant and potentially lasting shift in geopolitical and diplomatic alignments. ' he added.
Why does CAR need Russia's protection?
The Central African Republic (CAR) relies on Russia for protection due to ongoing insecurity and a weak national army. Since the 2013 coup, rebel groups have destabilized the country despite the presence of UN peacekeepers.
Russia deepened its role in 2018, aiding President Faustin-Archange Touadéra's government through the Wagner Group in return for access to gold and diamond resources.
With Wagner's influence fading, CAR now seeks a formal defense pact with Russia's state-backed Africa Corps, viewing Moscow as a more dependable ally than Western powers.
The timing of the agreement is significant, coinciding with President Touadéra's preparations for the upcoming presidential election.
While the government views the deal as a means to bolster security, opposition leaders warn that it could further entrench foreign influence and undermine democratic processes.
Wagner's waning influence in Africa - The Putin effect
The decline of the Wagner Group's autonomy in Africa marks a significant shift in Russia's foreign policy under President Vladimir Putin.
Following the death of Wagner's leader Yevgeny Prigozhin under controversial circumstances, and the group's reorganization under the Russian Ministry of Defense, Moscow has tightened its control over military operations on the continent.
In place of Wagner, the newly formed "Africa Corps" now represents the Kremlin's formal military engagement in countries such as the Central African Republic (CAR), Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Though Wagner's brutal tactics and alleged human rights abuses strained local relationships, their departure has not necessarily meant less Russian control, just a more formal and centralized one.
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