Russian private military contractors stationed in the Central African Republic (CAR) have declared they are treating potential threats to the country's upcoming elections with the utmost seriousness. They have pledged to ensure the polls are peaceful and stand ready to counter any disturbances.
Security Guarantors in a Volatile Nation
The resource-rich CAR, a former French colony, has become a key outpost for Russian security operations in Africa. The paramilitary group Wagner established itself as a principal security partner for the government in Bangui, receiving lucrative mining concessions for gold and diamonds in return. Following the death of Wagner's founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, the group's last major contingent remains embedded in the country.
Alexander Ivanov, who heads the Russian contractors in the CAR and is under EU and US sanctions, communicated the group's stance to AFP. Ivanov leads the Officers’ Union for International Security (OUIS), an entity Western officials describe as a Wagner front company, though he insists his organisation is "not PMC Wagner". He acknowledges, however, employing "highly experienced" Wagner fighters.
Preparations for a Crucial Vote
Voters in the CAR head to the polls on Sunday for presidential, legislative, regional, and local elections. This vote concludes a period of relative calm after years of devastating instability. Incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadera, 68, is widely anticipated to secure another term.
"Given the experience of previous elections, Russian specialists are taking this task extremely seriously and are preparing to repel any provocations," Ivanov stated in written comments. He expressed cautious optimism, noting that most indicators point to peaceful elections, but highlighted that small militant-held areas near the borders keep defence forces and Russian specialists on high alert.
The role of Russian contractors has been pivotal. Deployed at President Touadera's request to bolster the national army, they were instrumental in 2020 when the president was last re-elected. That vote was marred by fraud allegations and a major rebel uprising, which was ultimately quelled with the help of Rwandan troops and the Russian fighters.
Geopolitical Shifts and Future Operations
The post-Prigozhin era has opened a new chapter. The Russian defence ministry has sought to replace Wagner's patchwork of companies with the more formalised Africa Corps, applying pressure on Bangui to make the switch. Ivanov declined to comment on these negotiations but said, "I would like to wish them success in ensuring peace for all those who need their help."
He praised the "excellent" ties between Russia and the CAR, claiming that for the first time in years, Central Africans can live without constant fear. Beyond election security, Ivanov said Russian contractors have trained the army and helped disarm approximately 2,000 militants over the past year, receiving community gratitude for rebuilding infrastructure.
The changing landscape has also attracted Western interest. Following Prigozhin's death, the US private security firm Bancroft Global Development entered talks with the CAR government. Ivanov took a swipe at this potential competition, arguing Russian contractors are more effective because they avoid "an abundance of heavy machinery and bureaucratic red tape" common to American operators, a lesson he claims was learned from the rapid response needed during the 2020 crisis.
