Russian private military contractors in the Central African Republic say they are ready to "repel any provocations" as the country prepares for presidential, legislative, regional and local elections. Alexander Ivanov, head of the Officers' Union for International Security (OUIS) and subject to EU and US sanctions, denies formal links to Wagner but acknowledges his group employs experienced former Wagner fighters. The contractors say they helped disarm about 2,000 militants in the past year and claim local residents have expressed gratitude. Moscow is pressing Bangui to consider replacing Wagner with a reorganised force following the 2023 death of Wagner's founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Russian Contractors in CAR Vow To 'Repel Any Provocations' Ahead Of Crucial Elections
A monument to the late Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin and his right-hand man Dmitry Utkin has been erected in Bangui (Annela NIAMOLO)(Annela NIAMOLO/AFP/AFP)
Russian private military contractors operating in the Central African Republic (CAR) told AFP they regard any threats to the country's upcoming elections "extremely seriously" and say they are prepared to "repel any provocations," Alexander Ivanov, head of the Officers' Union for International Security (OUIS), said in written comments.
Security Role and Local Presence
The resource-rich former French colony has emerged as the last stronghold of the paramilitary group Wagner, which has become one of the CAR government's main security partners in exchange for lucrative contracts to mine gold and diamonds. Ivanov, who is subject to EU and US sanctions, denied formal ties between OUIS and Wagner but acknowledged that OUIS employs "highly experienced" fighters who previously served with Wagner, insisting his organisation is "not PMC Wagner."
Election Preparations
Ivanov said his teams were focused on ensuring that the presidential, legislative, regional and local polls scheduled for Sunday are held in a "peaceful and secure manner." He told AFP:
"Given the experience of previous votes, Russian specialists are approaching this task extremely seriously and are preparing to repel any provocations."
Authorities say most indicators point to peaceful elections, though Ivanov warned that small areas—mainly along border zones—remain active with armed groups. He added that Central African defence and security forces, together with Russian military specialists, remain on high alert.
Security Gains and Local Impact
Ivanov credited his teams with helping to disarm about 2,000 militants over the past year and said they have received "letters of gratitude" from residents in towns such as Batangafo and Boda requesting assistance to rebuild hospitals and repair bridges. He also described relations between the two countries as "excellent" and said Russians have assisted in training the national army.
Wider Context
Wagner forces played a key role during the 2020 crisis when President Faustin-Archange Touadera was re-elected in a contest marred by fraud allegations and a rebel uprising. That attempted overthrow was repelled after interventions by the Rwandan army and Russian contractors.
Following the death of Wagner's founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Moscow has urged Bangui to replace Wagner with a restructured force known as the Africa Corps. Ivanov declined to comment on talks with the Russian defence ministry and said only: "I cannot comment on the actions of the Africa Corps, but I would like to wish them success in ensuring peace for all those who need their help."
The West has also signalled renewed interest in the CAR: in late 2023 the US private security firm Bancroft Global Development reported talks with the CAR government. Ivanov argued Russian contractors distinguish themselves by operating with fewer heavy assets and less bureaucracy than some Western firms, saying delays in crisis response can be costly.
Rights Concerns
Human rights organisations have repeatedly accused Wagner mercenaries of abuses, including torture and killings, in several countries, including the CAR. OUIS and Ivanov remain under international sanctions amid these allegations. The claims have heightened scrutiny of foreign security actors operating in the country even as authorities point to improved stability in many areas.
