Statue of Russia’s Wagner founder Prigozhin unveiled in Central Africa
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A monument in honor of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the late founder of Russia’s mercenary group, Wagner, was recently unveiled in the Central African Republic (CAR), sparking significant attention. The statue, placed in the capital city, Bangui, also features Dmitry Utkin, Prigozhin’s close associate and Wagner’s military commander. The monument depicts Prigozhin in bulletproof clothing holding a walkie-talkie, while Utkin stands beside him, armed with an AK-47 rifle. The unveiling of the statues highlights the deepening ties between Russia and CAR, particularly through Wagner’s involvement in the country.
Wagner operatives have been active in CAR since 2018, when President Faustin-Archange Touadéra invited them to assist in combating rebel groups. Alongside their military activities, the group has secured contracts to run gold and diamond mines, further entrenching their presence in the region. While Wagner is also involved in several other African countries, CAR remains the primary base of its operations on the continent.
The monument’s unveiling ceremony was attended by CAR’s Defence Minister Rameau Claude Bireau and other senior military figures. A statement from the national police noted that the statue was “part of the bilateral relationship” between CAR and Russia, underlining the growing political and military collaboration between the two nations.
Prigozhin and Utkin’s deaths were tragic but not unexpected. On August 23, 2023, their private jet crashed north-west of Moscow, killing all aboard. The crash came just two months after Wagner’s failed mutiny against the Russian government, which some observers speculated could have been linked to their deaths. However, the Kremlin denied any involvement in the incident. Despite the loss of their leaders, Wagner’s operations continue, albeit under the new name, Corps Africa. In CAR, however, the group still operates under the Wagner banner.
President Touadéra has been a strong supporter of Wagner’s presence in the country. In a 2023 BBC interview, he defended the group’s role, stating that Wagner had significantly contributed to stabilizing the country. He claimed that 80% of CAR was once controlled by armed groups, but thanks to Russia’s assistance, the situation had been reversed, with more territory now under government control.
Russia’s influence in CAR extends beyond Wagner. A monument in Bangui already honors Russian troops for their role in protecting local civilians. The statue shows Russian soldiers shielding a woman and her children, symbolizing the support Russia has provided in terms of both military aid and humanitarian efforts. Despite CAR’s vast natural resources, including diamonds, gold, oil, and uranium, it remains one of the poorest countries globally. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, CAR has faced instability and violence, much of it fueled by rebel groups seeking control of the country’s wealth.
While recent years have seen a reduction in violence, clashes still erupt between rebel forces and the Wagner-supported national army. Critics argue that the support of Russia, in exchange for exploiting CAR’s resources, has allowed President Touadéra’s government to remain in power, despite the ongoing instability. Some have accused the government of exchanging natural resource access with Russia for military assistance.
Prigozhin’s Wagner Group was founded in 2014, initially focusing on operations in the Middle East and Africa. The group became internationally notorious during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, where Wagner’s forces played a significant role in Moscow’s military operations. Wagner’s reach extended far beyond Russia’s borders, with operations across several African nations and involvement in various conflicts where it could provide mercenaries for hire.
The statue of Prigozhin in Bangui, though controversial, is a symbol of the deepening relationship between CAR and Russia. With Wagner’s continued presence in the country, their influence in Africa is likely to remain a point of discussion and concern for Western powers. While some view Wagner as a stabilizing force in CAR, others argue that the group is part of a broader Russian strategy to increase its political and economic sway in Africa by exploiting local resources and securing strategic military alliances.
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