A statue honoring Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of Russia’s Wagner Group, has been unveiled in Bangui, Central African Republic. The Wagner Group has been present in CAR since 2018, assisting the government against rebels and securing mining contracts. The ceremony was attended by key military officials, showcasing the close relationship between CAR and Russia, though concerns about local exploitation and instability persist.
A monument honoring Yevgeny Prigozhin, the late founder of Russia’s Wagner Group, has been unveiled in the Central African Republic (CAR). This bronze statue, located in Bangui, depicts Prigozhin in tactical gear, wielding a walkie-talkie, alongside his associate Dmitru Utkin, who is depicted holding an AK-47 rifle. The Wagner Group has been active in CAR since 2018, assisting the government in combating rebel factions and securing contracts in the mining sector.
Minister of Defense Rameau Claude Bireau and senior military officials attended the unveiling ceremony, which the national police of CAR described as a symbol of the strong bilateral relations between CAR and Russia. Despite Prigozhin’s death in a plane crash in August 2023, the Wagner Group continues its operations under the name Corps Africa within CAR.
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has publicly supported the group’s presence, asserting that it has positively influenced security conditions in the country. “It was said that 80% of the territory was occupied by armed groups. Today, thanks to this co-operation, these figures are completely reversed,” he noted in a previous interview. Additionally, another statue in Bangui commemorates Russian troops aiding civilians, reinforcing Russia’s significant involvement in the country’s affairs.
The CAR, rich in natural resources yet plagued by poverty and instability since gaining independence in 1960, still grapples with conflict. Although violence has diminished, clashes between rebel factions and government forces persist, often with allegations that foreign mercenaries exploit local resources to maintain their influence. The Wagner Group, founded in 2014, has expanded its reach from the Middle East to various African nations and recently to Ukraine since 2022.
The unveiling of a statue for Yevgeny Prigozhin in the Central African Republic epitomizes the Wagner Group’s entrenched involvement in the region. Established to serve Russian interests abroad, Wagner has operated extensively in CAR, providing security and military support at the request of President Touadéra. This relationship has enabled them to secure lucrative contracts in the mining industry, which has faced scrutiny for contributing to local exploitation and ongoing instability despite the region’s wealth in diamonds and gold. Prigozhin’s death in a plane crash, amidst speculation surrounding the Kremlin’s role, has not hindered the Wagner Group’s activities, as it continues to advocate its influence through military and political means. The presence of Russian mercenaries symbolizes foreign intervention in a nation where government authority remains contested by various armed groups.
In summary, the installation of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s statue in Bangui signifies the deepening ties between the Central African Republic and Russia, particularly through the Wagner Group’s military endeavors. While the government lauds the group’s contributions toward stabilizing the region, critics highlight ongoing exploitation and conflict as underlying issues. The complexities surrounding foreign influence and local governance in CAR remain pressing, warranting continued scrutiny and analysis.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
