Russia’s Wagner reportedly gained control of CAR gold mines in four days Investigation by Bulgarian Military

Bulgarian Military has published an article about how the Russian private military firm Wagner Group gained control over gold mines in CAR. Caliber.Az reprints the article.

The Russian private military firm, Wagner, previously embroiled in a protracted confrontation for the dominion of Bakhmut, Ukraine, has presently laid claim to multiple gold mines located in the Central African Republic [CAR]. This information surfaces from numerous Russian media outlets, citing associated military operations carried out by Wagner between October 22 and 25. 

In reporting from Overclockers, it is detailed that from the duration of October 22 to 25, personnel from Wagner’s private military firm deployed from Bangui – the capital of the Central African Republic, were tasked to survey the northwestern regions of the country. This formed a key part of an expansive reconnaissance and extraction mission. 

As reported by the Russian media, this venture’s primary objective was the eviction of ‘armed forces’ from territories where the gold reserves reside. The significance of these gold mines to the Central African Republic is paramount due to the ensuing increase in the nation’s fiscal income, facilitating regular stipend dispersion to the Republic’s denizens. 

The mines are returned to CAR

Overclockers’ reportage postulates that this operation was executed successfully, with the vanquishing of nearly a score of members from the outlawed organization. It chronicled further that, “After a skirmish with a PMC Wagner contingent, the illegal enclave, which comprised roughly sixty members and was commanded by an indigenous chieftain, saw its demise.” 

In appreciation of their valuable service, all servicemen participating in this operation will be given recognition by the government of the Central African Republic. An official statement from Bangui commended the Wagner Group for its concern for the economic interests of its partners and its endeavor to profit from them. “PMC ‘Wagner’ perseveres in fulfilling its mandate on the African continent,” additional reports from Russian media elucidated.

There are currently four gold mines in the northwest Central African Republic. These mines are known as Ndassima, Yaté, Kotto, and Gbakombo. Ndassima is the largest gold mine in the region.

Gold mining in the CAR

The annual output of these gold mines varies. As of the latest available data, Ndassima produces approximately 1.5 metric tons of gold per year, while Yaté produces around 0.8 metric tons. Kotto and Gbakombo have smaller outputs, producing around 0.3 metric tons each.

In terms of their contribution to the Central African Republic’s economy, the gold mines in northwest Central African Republic play a significant role.

Gold mining is one of the country’s main economic activities, and these mines contribute a substantial percentage to the overall GDP. However, the exact percentage varies depending on factors such as global gold prices, production levels, and other economic factors.

It is important to note that the Central African Republic’s economy is not solely reliant on gold mining, as other sectors such as agriculture and forestry also contribute to the country’s GDP.

Where are Wagner’s troops?

Apart from Ukraine and the Central African Republic, the forces of the private military company Wagner are known to be stationed in several other countries as well. Some of these countries are Syria and Libya. 

Wagner’s forces have also been reported to be present in Sudan. They have been involved in providing security and training to the Sudanese government forces. 

In addition to these countries, there have been reports of Wagner’s presence in other regions as well. These include countries like Venezuela, where they have reportedly provided security and advisory services to the government. However, the extent and nature of their involvement in these countries may vary, and accurate information can be challenging to obtain due to the secretive nature of private military companies.

The new boss

During the period overseen by Prigozhin, the Kremlin, under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, maintained control over the private military contractor [PMC] Wagner. Following Prizhozhin’s demise, a new executive was instated to helm the private Russian entity.

As reported by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on September 30, Andrey Troshev has now assumed the role of Wagner’s chief. He also noted that Troshev plays a significant part in Russia’s Ministry of Defense. This news broke after Putin’s late September session with Troshev and Yunus-bek Yevkurov, Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister, at the Kremlin.

Known by the code-name “Sedoi”, Troshev, aged 61 and a retired colonel hailed as a national hero, previously held an authoritative position at Wagner PMC, as acknowledged by the TASS news agency.

Earlier Russian media updates suggested that Troshev was picked to fill the void left by Wagner’s erstwhile leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Priorly, Putin has expressed agreement to the notion of the mercenaries continuing their operations under a private military firm led by Troshev.

The Kremlin controls Wagner

In a demonstrative course of action post-Prigogine’s unsuccessful insurrection in June, the Kremlin decisively gained control over the persistently rebellious Wagner mercenary group. This involved dismantling the group’s military base in southern Russia, followed by compelling them to relinquish thousands of tons of weaponry from the organization.

After the attempted uprising fell through, Putin declared an in place ban on Wagner operatives. He proposed alternative avenues for the mercenaries, including contract-based engagements with the Ministry of Defense, relocation to Belarus, or readaption to civilian life.

By early October, the Ukrainian military raised allegations that some of Wagner’s ex-combatants were back on the Ukrainian front.