Russia’s Push to Replace Wagner in Central African Republic Exposes Moscow’s Costly Power Play

In a stark display of Kremlin overreach, Russia is pressuring the Central African Republic (CAR) to abandon the privately operated Wagner Group in favor of Russia’s state-controlled Africa Corps—while demanding billions in cash payments. This move threatens CAR’s sovereignty and exposes Moscow’s agenda to tighten control over Africa’s valuable mineral wealth, imposing financial burdens on a fragile nation already struggling with conflict. Why Is CAR Resisting Moscow’s Demands? The CAR government finds itself stuck between a rock and a hard place. For years, the Wagner mercenary group has been a controversial yet effective shield for President Faustin Archange Touadera, helping...