Russian personnel from the Wagner Group will remain in the Central African Republic (CAR) for the foreseeable future, according to Dmitri Sityi, head of the Russian House in CAR. In an interview on 11 June, Sityi said the mission to strengthen the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) is still ongoing, despite significant progress in rebuilding the country’s military capabilities.
Sityi said Russia has invested heavily in training and restructuring FACA through several training programmes since 2018. According to him, the army has expanded its presence across the country, including in remote areas where state authority had been absent for decades. He described the force as significantly stronger and better organised than it was in 2017.
The Russian official also defended Moscow’s role in the country’s security and economic development. He argued that improved security conditions have enabled greater freedom of movement and created a foundation for economic growth. Sityi stressed that Russian operations are not financed by the CAR government.
He also credited Wagner personnel with supporting the disarmament and reintegration of former armed groups following the April 2025 N’Djamena peace agreement. According to Sityi, nearly 1,000 former fighters have been incorporated into state security structures, particularly the forestry guard service.
Beyond security cooperation, Sityi highlighted the activities of the Russian House, saying it teaches Russian to more than 2,000 students annually and plans to expand into provincial towns. He said the institution has become a cultural hub through educational, artistic and community programmes.
Russia established its security presence in CAR in 2018 after receiving a UN exemption to the country’s arms embargo, allowing it to supply weapons and deploy military instructors. Wagner later expanded its role through security services, media initiatives and cultural outreach, helping Moscow become Bangui’s main security partner.
The latest comments suggest Russia intends to maintain both its military and soft-power presence in CAR as efforts to strengthen state institutions and implement post-conflict reintegration measures continue.
