16 Aug Wagner’s Grip: How Russia’s Private Army Exploits CAR’s Resources and Fuels Conflict

By Cara Rau

In the turbulent socio-political landscape of the Central African Republic (CAR), the Wagner Group—a private military contractor (PMC) closely linked to the Kremlin—emerges as a stark example of how economic exploitation can fuel armed conflict. Their activities in CAR illustrate the growing trend of resource-driven conflicts in Africa and underscore the dangers posed by unregulated PMCs operating under the guise of geopolitical strategy.

A Resource-Rich Nation Trapped in Conflict

The CAR is a country endowed with vast mineral wealth, including gold, diamonds, and uranium. However, instead of fostering development, these resources have become a curse, driving corruption, violence, and poverty. International interest in these resources has only worsened the situation, attracting actors like the Wagner Group, who exploit the country’s instability for their own gain.

Since its entry into CAR around 2017, the Wagner Group, far from being a mere security provider, has entrenched itself deeply in the nation’s economy, particularly in its mining sector. This has had devastating consequences for the country’s stability and sovereignty.

Wagner’s Exploitation of CAR’s Resources; Control and Monopoly of Mineral Wealth

Wagner’s involvement in CAR was initially presented as a mission to provide security services and support to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s government. However, their true intentions soon became clear: to seize control of CAR’s rich mineral resources. The group quickly monopolized gold and diamond extraction by establishing mining companies like Lobaye Invest, Midas Resources, and Diamville. These companies were reportedly granted mining licenses and tax-free export authorizations. Investigative journalist Mathieu Olivier reported that Wagner collaborated with established diamond-smuggling networks run by two Lebanese families, the Nassours and the Ahmads, who are among the largest in Africa. This monopoly has severe consequences. Wagner’s dominance over the mining sector not only disrupts the local economy but also consolidates power in a way that perpetuates violence and instability. Furthermore, their illegal export of diamonds through neighboring countries like Cameroon, Chad, and Sudan underscores their blatant disregard for CAR’s sovereignty and international law.

Escalating Violence and Human Rights Abuses

Wagner’s control over CAR’s resources has directly contributed to an an increase in violence and displacement raising serious concerns for the international community. Their heavy-handed approach to “stabilizing” the country has not only perpetuated the cycle of violence but also entrenched the group’s dominance over the resource-rich areas. In May 2022, Human Rights Watch reported that since 2019, forces in CAR identified by witnesses as Russian have been involved in the summary execution, torture, and beating of civilians. The organization called for an investigation into these incidents by national authorities, the country’s Special Criminal Court (SCC), or the International Criminal Court (ICC), with the aim of pursuing criminal prosecution for these and other credible allegations of abuse by Russia-linked forces.

A New Form of Neo-Imperialism

Wagner’s actions in CAR are part of a broader pattern of Neo-imperialism, where military power is used to secure economic benefits. This modern form of imperialism undermines CAR’s sovereignty and highlights the dangers of privatized military operations. In this context, economic interests often overshadow humanitarian concerns and national interests, creating a perilous environment for the people of CAR.

The Inadequate International Response

The international community’s response to Wagner’s activities in CAR has been insufficient. Despite clear evidence of human rights abuses and violations of international law, effective sanctions and measures against the group have been limited. The Russian government, while officially denying direct control over Wagner, benefits significantly from the group’s operations in CAR, gaining access to valuable resources and expanding its influence in Africa. This lack of decisive action from the international community not only emboldens Wagner but also sets a dangerous precedent for other PMCs operating in conflict zones.

Addressing the Crisis: A Call to Action

To address the crisis in CAR, a comprehensive approach is necessary. The international community must take stronger action against the Wagner Group, holding it accountable for its actions in CAR. This includes imposing even more targeted sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the group and applying pressure on Russia to cease its support for Wagner’s operations.

Furthermore, the global private military industry requires stringent regulation. The unchecked operations of PMCs pose significant threats to global security, as they often prioritize economic interests over human rights and national sovereignty. Establishing transparent and enforceable regulations is vital to preventing future exploitations. Simultaneously, international aid should focus on reinforcing CAR’s sovereignty and development by building transparent governance structures, promoting sustainable resource management, and empowering local communities through education, job creation, and infrastructure development.

Conclusion

The Wagner Group’s involvement in the Central African Republic starkly illustrates the perilous intersection of economic exploitation and armed conflict. Their operations reveal the broader, systemic issues of resource-driven conflict in Africa and the grave risks associated with allowing private military companies to operate with impunity. A coordinated international response is essential—not just for the future of CAR but for the stability of conflict-prone regions globally. Addressing these challenges now is crucial to breaking the cycle of conflict and poverty in CAR, before its rich resources further entrench the nation in a destructive downward spiral.

The opinions presented in this article are those of the author alone and do not reflect the views or positions of ASI.

About the Author

Cara Rau is a research intern and international security analyst at ASI. She holds a Master’s Degree in Terrorism and Security Studies. She specializes in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), focusing on Jihadism in the Sahel, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).