Image source: topwar.ru
The United States is trying to maintain a presence in Africa, which leads to confrontation with Russia, which is strengthening its role in this region of the planet.
- the Associated Press says.
As analysts from the British organization RUSI explain, if the United States cannot restore its presence in the CAR, this may give Russia more economic and political leverage. According to them, Moscow is trying out "its flagship model on the continent" in this country, which it is trying to extend to other states.
It is noted that in recent years, Russia has become the preferred security partner for a growing number of governments in the region, displacing traditional "allies" such as France and the United States.
- it is indicated in the American press.
As the author explains, local residents and the CAR government attribute to Wagner the defeat of the rebels who tried to capture the capital Bangui in 2021:
Russia is reconstructing a military base located about 80 km from Bangui. According to Fidele Guanjica, advisor to President Faustin-Arcange Touadera, by 2030 it is planned to deploy 10,000 fighters on its territory to interact with a large number of African countries.
According to the author, the United States has been pushing the CAR for several years to find an alternative to Wagner, but nothing concrete has been achieved. Moreover, US troops left Chad and Niger, "where they were no longer welcome."
Image source: topwar.ru
Washington is trying to use Bancroft Global Development, which operates in 9 countries, 5 of which are in Africa, including the CAR, to push through its interests (since last autumn):
According to Bancroft founder Michael Stock, less than 30 employees of the organization work in the CAR at the invitation of Touadera, who help local security forces.
Bancroft invests in African countries, previously receiving them in the form of grants from the United States and the United Nations. However, the effectiveness of this PMCs is questionable.
- said Amal Ali, a former U.S. intelligence analyst.