Alexander Ivanov, who is subject to European Union sanctions and commands Russian mercenaries in the country, said in an interview with AFP that the elections in the Central African Republic are to be “peaceful” and that the forces under his command are “preparing to repel any provocations.”
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Who ensures election security in the Central African Republic?
What actions is the Wagner group taking before the elections?
When are elections held in the Central African Republic?
Who is one of Touadera's main rivals in the elections?
These troops, sent since 2017 to support President Faustin-Archange Touadera, play the role of a “parallel government” in this African country. They control the army, security forces, gold and diamond mining, produce beer, and recently launched the Air Wagner airline, for which they donated their combat helicopters.
The last bastion of the Wagner group
At the same time, mercenaries are accused by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, of committing serious violations against the civilian population, including torture and murder.
The Central African Republic is the last stronghold of the Wagner group in Africa, where it is being replaced by the African Corps, subordinated to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
On Sunday, December 28, Touadera will face six other candidates in the presidential elections. One of his two main rivals is Anicet-Georges Dologuele, a former prime minister who has already run against Touadera twice in the elections in 2015 and 2020. The other is Henri-Marie Dondra, also a former prime minister.
