Russia-backed forces accused of disappearances, criminal activities in Central African Republic

Human rights advocates and local politicians in the Central African Republic (CAR) have accused Russia-backed mercenaries for being behind the disappearance of two soldiers, amid a mountain evidence pointing to crimes, including murder, torture, execution, abductions, rape, theft, that are credibly linked to Wagner forces and their successor entities.
The two soldiers, ,Celestin Bakoyo and Elie Ngouengue, were detained on 24 January after being integrated into the CAR military, which has received significant support from Russian forces, including Wagner Group-affiliated mercenaries. The soldiers were last seen in the capital, Bangui, after visiting a bank, and their whereabouts remain unknown despite widespread inquiries from local authorities and advocates. This incident highlights the growing presence and influence of Russian mercenaries in the Sahel country, where their operations have increasingly raised concerns. While the government claims they have helped stabilize the country, particularly by quelling rebel groups, reports of abuse and criminal activities linked to these mercenaries are widespread.
Local residents and activists accuse the Russia-backed forces of human rights violations, including torture, abductions, and even killings, often carried out with impunity. In CAR, “Wagner has perfected a blueprint for state capture, supporting a criminalized state hijacked by the Central African president and his inner circle, amassing military power, securing access to and plundering precious minerals, and subduing the population with terror,” according to a 2023 report by The Sentry, a US-based nongovernmental research organization that was co-founded by the actor George Clooney. As Russian mercenaries continue to exert control over CAR’s resources, particularly in the gold and diamond sectors, human rights groups are demanding accountability and an end to the cycle of violence and repression. The ongoing disappearance of Bakoyo and Ngouengue underscores the need for transparency and protection for all civilians in conflict zones.