In the aftermath of the rebellion led by Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, a controversial deal was struck between a private U.S. security firm and the Central African Republic, where Prigozhin’s Wagner Group has held a strong presence. The agreement has triggered backlash and heightened tensions, reflecting a broader power struggle between Moscow and Washington for influence across the continent.
The Russian mercenaries, who have been operating in Central African Republic and using their success in countering rebels as a blueprint for expansion, have faced scrutiny over their human rights abuses and other alleged misconduct. Following Prigozhin’s death in a suspicious plane crash, Russia has been reevaluating its operations in Africa, while the U.S., seeking to counter Russian advances, is re-engaging with the region to discourage African nations from working with the mercenaries.
Russia has been actively expanding its military cooperation in the region in recent years, supplanting traditional allies like France and the U.S. by deploying mercenaries such as Wagner in multiple countries since around 2017. Despite their role in protecting African leaders and combating rebels and extremists, these mercenaries have been criticized for their human rights violations, including training the Central African army in torture tactics.
Central African Republic, embroiled in conflict since 2013, saw the early entry of Russian mercenaries who were credited with repelling rebel attacks in the capital, Bangui, in 2021. Russia’s plans for further expansion include the refurbishment of a military base near Bangui to enhance the country’s security and potentially engage with more African nations.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has been pressuring Central African Republic to sever ties with Wagner, but progress has been limited. In a move that caught many by surprise, the establishment of Bancroft Global Development’s presence in the country was not linked to U.S. involvement, according to the State Department.
Bancroft, a Washington-based nonprofit, has been operating in Africa for years and is now engaged in Central African Republic. Despite criticisms from some experts regarding its efficacy in Somalia, where it has been active for over 15 years, Bancroft continues its operations with funding from the U.S. and the United Nations.
The arrival of Bancroft in Central African Republic sparked rumors and speculation, with some suggesting U.S. motives akin to countering Russian influence. However, Bancroft founder Michael Stock clarified that the group’s presence was at the request of the Central African government, emphasizing the intention to diversify security partners.
Following the establishment of Bancroft in the country, there have been reports of aggression toward Americans and U.S. entities, including detentions and passport confiscations. While the Central African Republic government denies any issue with Americans, anti-U.S. protests outside the embassy and the formation of a monitoring group indicate tensions on the ground.
As the U.S. and Russia compete for influence in Africa, local governments assert their autonomy in decision-making. Although Central African Republic’s engagement with Bancroft demonstrates an independent choice, reactions from Russia could potentially impact its relationships with other nations in the region.