Russia replaces Wagner Group with Africa Corps amid military expansion
- Wagner Group, linked to serious human rights abuses, is being replaced by the Africa Corps in Africa.
- The Africa Corps operates under the Russian defense ministry and has already joined military operations in Mali.
- This transition appears to be a strategic rebranding effort by Russia to distance itself from past controversies while maintaining military influence.
The Central African Republic (CAR) has seen significant Russian military involvement through the Wagner Group, which emerged as a dominant force following the departure of French troops in 2022. This presence, while stabilizing for some, has been marred by serious human rights abuses and allegations of extrajudicial killings by Wagner operatives. In early 2023, Russian military officials in CAR instructed authorities to transition from Wagner to a different paramilitary force known as the Africa Corps, aligning it closely with the Russian defense ministry. Although Wagner was previously celebrated for its military contributions, experts believe this shift is a strategic move by Moscow to distance itself from the controversies surrounding the Wagner brand, especially after its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's death and the group's failed mutiny. The Africa Corps has already been deployed in nations like Niger and Burkina Faso, where its operations are officially sanctioned but seemingly unofficial, indicating a push by Russia to maintain a significant military presence in Africa without the negative associations linked to Wagner. Despite the changing names and structures, observers predict that the tactical operations on the ground, particularly in the fight against insurgent groups, may not differ considerably from the previous engagements under Wagner.