**Monument to Wagner Group’s Prigozhin Unveiled in Central African Republic**

The monument reflects Russia's expanding role in Central African affairs, amid ongoing controversies surrounding its presence and operations.

A statue commemorating the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, has been unveiled in the Central African Republic (CAR). The monument, located in the capital city of Bangui, features Prigozhin clad in bullet-proof attire while holding a walkie-talkie, accompanied by Dmitru Utkin, who holds an AK-47 rifle. Both figures perished in a plane crash last year, marking a significant moment in the Wagner Group's turbulent history.

The Wagner Group has been active in CAR since 2018, tasked with aiding President Faustin-Archange Touadéra in quelling various rebel factions. Over time, their operations have expanded to include lucrative contracts for gold and diamond mining across the region. The erected statue has been framed as part of the "bilateral relationship" between CAR and Russia, with attendance from notable officials, including Defence Minister Rameau Claude Bireau.

Following their tragic deaths in a plane crash on August 23, 2023, speculation surrounded the circumstances, particularly regarding the Kremlin's possible involvement, which they have denied. Despite the rebranding of the Wagner Group to Corps Africa, they continue to operate under the Wagner name in CAR, highlighting the group's entrenched influence within the region.

President Touadéra has publicly defended the partnership with Wagner, citing improved security in areas previously dominated by armed groups. However, critics accuse his government of leveraging the mercenaries' strength in exchange for resource exploitation, raising concerns about sovereignty and stability amid ongoing conflicts and political unrest.

With one of the world's poorest populations, despite its wealth in diamonds and other resources, CAR has faced turbulence since gaining independence from France in 1960. Even though violence has waned in recent times, clashes persist between rebels and the government forces supported by Wagner. The new statue not only commemorates Prigozhin's legacy but also underscores the complex and often controversial role Russia plays in CAR and its broader ambitions in Africa.