Dozens, perhaps hundreds of mercenaries from the Russian Wagner Group have arrived in the Central African Republic. Reuters reports. The mercenaries’ arrival is linked to the constitutional referendum to be held on July 30, which could see outgoing President Faustin-Archange Touadera re-elect in 2025.
In the days following the failed mutiny of boss Wagner Prigozhin, hundreds of fighters from the Wagner group left the Central African country. But that was far from a withdrawal, a spokesman for the president told Reuters on Monday, it was a routine rotation. “There is a rotation every year. Some come and go with logistics, and they do so regularly at all levels, military and administrative,” Reuters said in a statement.
And while the presidential cabinet declined to say how many Wagner fighters are involved, it said the mercenaries are in the capital Bangui “to secure the constitutional referendum”. Based on a senior military official, Reuters writes that hundreds of fighters are involved.
Patchwork of armed rebels
Wagnerians are no strangers to the Central African Republic’s 5.5 million. In 2018, Russia sent security contractors to the Central African Republic for the first time, which has increased to as few as 1,500 fighters and instructors over the years.
The Russians not only ensure the safety of President Touadera, but also fight with his government army against a veritable patchwork of armed rebels who control large parts of the country. And who, like the Wagner Group, mine gold and diamonds and trade in hardwood. According to Reuters, the country now has around 1,900 Wagner mercenaries.
Third term
If the people of the Central African Republic approve the re-election of President Touadera by referendum on July 30, and there is a very good chance that this will happen, the constitution can be changed and the president can run for a third term.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
