Wagner Fighters in Central African Republic: Withdrawal or Restructuring?

The spokesman for the presidency in the Central African Republic, Albert Yalok Mokbim, announced today that the departure of hundreds of fighters from the Russian private military group Wagner from the country is part of a troop rotation, not a withdrawal. He stated in a press conference in the capital, Bangui: "Some have left, and others will come." A military source told Reuters, on condition of anonymity, that several hundred Wagner fighters have recently departed the country. It remains unclear how many fighters are still present. It is estimated that around 1,900 Russian mercenaries, some of whom are from Wagner, are still operating there. Any restructuring of Wagner's operations in the Central African Republic could have significant commercial implications.