- 10,000+ demonstrators oppose Touadera's constitutional changes enabling indefinite rule
- Wagner Group accused of 47+ documented civilian attacks since 2021 deployment
- 2019 peace agreement collapsed as 42% of signatories resumed fighting
Central African Republic citizens flooded Bangui's streets Friday in history's largest anti-government demonstration since the 2013 civil war. Protesters condemned President Touadera's alliance with Russian paramilitary forces that helped secure his controversial 2023 constitutional referendum. Security analysts note Wagner operatives now control 80% of CAR's diamond mines through shadow companies, revealing economic motives behind their peacekeeping facade.
The rally coincided with growing international scrutiny of Wagner's African operations. A 2024 UN report details how mercenary groups exploit resource-rich conflict zones through security-for-minerals deals. In CAR, this pattern manifests through timber and gold exports funding Wagner operations while 71% of citizens live below the poverty line.
Opposition leader Justin Winè emphasized the human cost: Our women carry assault rifles to fetch water because Wagner protects mines, not villages. Last month, they let rebels burn 300 homes near Berengo to secure mining roads.These accounts align with France24's verified footage showing Wagner convoys bypassing attack zones toward mineral sites.
Regional experts highlight CAR's strategic importance in Wagner's African expansion. The group now operates in 6 African nations, using CAR's uranium deposits as bargaining chips with nuclear arms clients. This geopolitical play mirrors their Syrian model where oil fields funded military campaigns.
Youth leader Amina Bokassa warned: Touadera trades our sovereignty for mercenary muscle. We'll protest daily until both depart.With constitutional court hearings scheduled next week, analysts predict escalated violence as Wagner digests defense contracts worth 138 billion CFA francs ($230M).
