Wagner Group Maintains Presence in Central African Republic Despite Leader's Death

Oct 19, 2024, 10:09 AM

The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary outfit, has maintained its presence in Africa despite the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. The group's operations have evolved, combining official diplomacy with a mix of gangsterism and colonial enterprise to advance Russia's interests on the continent, including in the Central African Republic. The Russian Orthodox Church has also increased its influence in Africa, becoming more strategic since the Ukraine invasion in 2022. This development is part of Russia's broader effort to bolster its soft power and recruit foreign fighters. The death of Prigozhin briefly cast doubt on Russia's Africa strategy, but the Wagner Group continues to operate, though significant changes to its modus operandi are necessary for further expansion.