Arrival of new Wagner mercenaries in anticipation of constitutional referendum

Several hundred fighters “Experience” De Wagner arrived in the Central African Republic “Confirm Security” Anticipating the July 30 vote, a group linked to a Russian paramilitary group said on Sunday, July 16.

“Another flight arrived in Bangui with instructors to work in the Central African Republic. Scheduled cycle continues. Several hundred experienced professionals from the Wagner Group join the team working in the Central African Republic »The Community of Officers for International Security (COSI) said in a telegram. “Russian instructors will continue to help the Central African Armed Forces and law enforcement personnel in the Central African Republic provide security ahead of the constitutional referendum scheduled for July 30”The statement said.

Along with the release, COSI released a photo showing at least 30 people, masked in military fatigues, lined up on an airport runway. According to the United States, COSI is the Wagner Group’s lead agency in the Central African Republic. It is headed by Alexander Ivanov, a Russian, under US sanctions since January. In its press release, COSI assures that its instructors are trained “More than five years” This made the Central African Defense Forces possible “Strengthening Public Security” from the country.

In early July, several foreign sources reported that an unknown number of Wagner mercenaries were leaving the Central African Republic, a report the government strongly denied. The status of the private paramilitary company and the continuation of its operations have been uncertain since its insurgency was put down in Russia on June 23-24. But its interventions abroad, especially in Syria and several African countries (Sudan, Central African Republic, Mali) have so far not been publicly questioned. Once the end of the rebellion was announced, Bangui confirmed that Wagner’s activities would remain. “continue”.