Russian forces dismantle militant bases in Central African Republic

Russian military specialists, working alongside the Central African Republic (CAR) army, have destroyed two militant bases belonging to groups that were planning to destabilise the country’s elections.

According to the CAR Ministry of Defence, the clashes occurred near the borders with Chad and Sudan, where militants had entered CAR to disrupt order ahead of the December 28 elections, Caliber.Az reports per TASS.

During patrols, the bases were located, leading to firefights. Some militants were killed, while others retreated across the border.

The operation is ongoing, with additional CAR armed forces deployed to the area, and neighbouring countries have been alerted to militant activity.

Russian private military contractors, widely linked to the Wagner Group, have been a central security partner in CAR since about 2018, providing training and protection to President Faustin‑Archange Touadéra’s forces in exchange for access to lucrative gold and diamond mining areas. However, human rights groups and Western governments accuse them of abuses.

The CAR has endured years of conflict involving numerous armed groups that splintered from earlier rebel coalitions; these return regularly to violence and disrupt security despite peace deals, contributing to instability that complicates election preparations and cross‑border threats.

Ahead of the 2025 poll, Russian paramilitary leaders have publicly stated they are focused on securing elections and preventing disruptions by militants operating mainly in border regions, reflecting ongoing concerns about armed groups still active in remote areas.

United Nations and other foreign forces, including Rwanda under bilateral agreements, operate alongside CAR troops and Russian contractors, but unresolved grievances, weak governance, and competition for resources continue to fuel insecurity across much of the country.

By Jeyhun Aghazada