Posted 9/18/2023, 9:00:00 AM

Russia Seeks Greater Control Over Wagner Group in Central African Republic After Founder's Death

Wagner Group mercenaries have been active in Central African Republic for 5 years, providing security but also exploiting resources.
After death of Wagner head Prigozhin, Russia aims to put Wagner fighters under official command of its military.
Wagner has major business interests in CAR, including gold mine, timber concessions, and liquor production.
CAR president credits Russia/Wagner for restoring security, though they've been accused of abuses.
Prigozhin's death met with silence in CAR; operations seem unchanged so far under new leadership.

washingtonpost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

6/29/2023

This article discusses the recent events in Russia, including the mutiny by mercenaries from the Wagner Group and the implications for Vladimir Putin's leadership. It also explores the trade-off between climate change and economic development, highlighting the difficult choices that need to be made in allocating resources.

9/5/2023

UK lawmakers to declare Wagner Group a terrorist organization: report

The United Kingdom is considering designating the Wagner Group as a terrorist organization, which would make membership, support, or joining the group illegal and allow for the seizure of its assets, due to its violent and destructive activities that pose a threat to global security and serve the political goals of Russia's Vladimir Putin.

9/14/2023

Wagner mercenary group winding down Belarus base after leadership killed in plane crash

Satellite images suggest that a Russian mercenary company, Wagner, may be winding down its operations in a military base in Belarus following the death of its boss and top lieutenants in a plane crash.

9/16/2023

Fired Up and Nowhere to Work: Wagner Mercenaries Struggle to Find Jobs Back in Russia

Former Wagner Group mercenaries are struggling to find employment in Russia after returning from fighting in Ukraine, despite promises of a fresh start, with many being forced to take low-paid jobs such as taxi drivers or construction workers.

9/17/2023

Putin Eliminates Rival Prigozhin, Reasserts Control Over Wagner Group

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, was killed in a plane crash near Moscow two months after his failed rebellion against the Russian leadership, raising suspicions that Russian President Vladimir Putin orchestrated his death in order to consolidate control over Wagner.