Amidst the uncertain fate of Wagner and its leader, Evgueni Prigojine, in Moscow, the Russian mercenary group asserts that its security and economic activities in the Central African Republic (CAR) are ongoing. In a message posted on July 17, 2023, on the Telegram channel of the Community of Officers for International Security (Cosi), one of Prigojine’s key lieutenants assures that Wagner’s enterprises continue to operate. However, he expresses concerns and criticisms towards the Russian authorities.
Alexandre Ivanov aims to address the numerous questions surrounding “rumors of the forced sale of business activities related to Evgueni Prigojine in Africa,” particularly in the mining sector. He hopes that these rumors will not be confirmed or negatively impact Russian presence on the continent.
Ivanov acknowledges the significant role played by Prigojine in the deep integration of Russian companies in Africa, emphasizing the potential loss of this achievement if it were to come to an unfortunate halt. He laments the missed opportunities, stating that there were still promising prospects for further growth.
While the Moscow situation remains unresolved, Wagner Group’s assertion of its continued presence in the CAR highlights ongoing activities in the country despite the recent failed rebellion against Moscow. The statements reflect a mix of assurance and underlying concerns regarding the future trajectory of the group’s operations and the overall Russian presence in Africa.