Missing Central African Republic soldiers were kidnapped by Russian mercenaries, advocates allege

Central African Republic soldiers kidnapped by mercenaries, advocates allege

The backlash against their disappearance comes as Russia expands its military and economic presence throughout Africa, using mercenaries to quell rebellion and fight extremists

Missing Central African Republic soldiers were kidnapped by Russian mercenaries, advocates allege

Human rights advocates and politicians from the region say Russian mercenaries are believed to be behind the disappearance of two soldiers in Central African Republic.

New testimonies turn the spotlight back on the violence of former militiamen of the Prigožin Company who in Bangui, on behalf of Moscow, support President Touadéra in exchange for significant interests in the extraction of gold and diamonds and in the collection of timber.

Human rights defenders and politicians in the Central African Republic claim that the soldiers who disappeared after being arrested last month were kidnapped by Russian-backed mercenaries. In recent years, the Kremlin has deepened its ties with the army and government of this gold- and diamond-rich country.

Russian mercenaries allegedly behind kidnapping of CAR soldiers

Human rights advocates and political leaders in the Central African Republic (CAR) have alleged that two missing soldiers were kidnapped by Russian-backed mercenaries. Celestin Bakoyo and Elie Ngouengue, both soldiers connected with a militia aligned with the Wagner Group, disappeared on January 24. The soldiers had been detained at a police station in the capital, Bangui. Ernest Mizedio, a regional politician, stated that the two were part of a…