The statue symbolizes the complex ties between Russia and the Central African Republic, highlighting the presence of Russian mercenaries in the region.
**Monument to Wagner Group's Prigozhin Erected in Central African Republic**
**Monument to Wagner Group's Prigozhin Erected in Central African Republic**
A statue honoring the Wagner Group's late leader Yevgeny Prigozhin has been unveiled in Bangui, CAR.
In a notable display of allegiance, the Central African Republic (CAR) has unveiled a statue dedicated to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of Russia's Wagner Group, in its capital, Bangui. This monument not only commemorates Prigozhin but also his close associate, Dmitru Utkin, both of whom tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in August 2023. The statue depicts Prigozhin clad in bullet-proof apparel, communicating through a walkie-talkie while standing alongside Utkin, who is armed with an AK-47 rifle.
The Wagner Group has been active in CAR since 2018, following an invitation from President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, aimed at bolstering efforts against various rebel factions. Over time, the group's affiliates have secured contracts for operating lucrative gold and diamond mines within the nation, further cementing their influence. A statement from CAR’s national police highlighted that the statue represents the ongoing bilateral relationship between CAR and Russia, a sentiment echoed during the ceremony attended by high-ranking military officials and Defense Minister Rameau Claude Bireau.
Prigozhin and Utkin perished when their private jet crashed northwest of Moscow, an incident that occurred mere months after a failed insurrection in Russia. The Kremlin has dismissed any allegations of foul play regarding the tragedy. Following this, the Wagner Group was rebranded as Corps Africa while still retaining the Wagner designation in CAR.
Despite the turbulent backdrop of CAR—one of the world's poorest nations endowed with abundant natural resources—President Touadéra defended the presence of Wagner mercenaries as pivotal to improving security, stating that the armed group’s involvement has notably reduced the territory controlled by rebels. Notably, prior to the installation of Prigozhin’s statue, the Russian military's presence had already been memorialized in Bangui with a separate monument depicting Russian troops protecting locals.
The extensive influence of the Wagner Group in Africa has prompted criticism, with detractors alleging that the Touadéra administration relies on foreign mercenaries for support in exchange for control over the country’s wealthy resource sectors. Originally founded in 2014, Wagner gained prominence through operations in the Middle East and Africa before its involvement in the Ukraine conflict starting in 2022.
The Wagner Group has been active in CAR since 2018, following an invitation from President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, aimed at bolstering efforts against various rebel factions. Over time, the group's affiliates have secured contracts for operating lucrative gold and diamond mines within the nation, further cementing their influence. A statement from CAR’s national police highlighted that the statue represents the ongoing bilateral relationship between CAR and Russia, a sentiment echoed during the ceremony attended by high-ranking military officials and Defense Minister Rameau Claude Bireau.
Prigozhin and Utkin perished when their private jet crashed northwest of Moscow, an incident that occurred mere months after a failed insurrection in Russia. The Kremlin has dismissed any allegations of foul play regarding the tragedy. Following this, the Wagner Group was rebranded as Corps Africa while still retaining the Wagner designation in CAR.
Despite the turbulent backdrop of CAR—one of the world's poorest nations endowed with abundant natural resources—President Touadéra defended the presence of Wagner mercenaries as pivotal to improving security, stating that the armed group’s involvement has notably reduced the territory controlled by rebels. Notably, prior to the installation of Prigozhin’s statue, the Russian military's presence had already been memorialized in Bangui with a separate monument depicting Russian troops protecting locals.
The extensive influence of the Wagner Group in Africa has prompted criticism, with detractors alleging that the Touadéra administration relies on foreign mercenaries for support in exchange for control over the country’s wealthy resource sectors. Originally founded in 2014, Wagner gained prominence through operations in the Middle East and Africa before its involvement in the Ukraine conflict starting in 2022.
