Marie-Reine Hassen addressed a high-level conference at the French Senate regarding the political situation in the Central African Republic. The former minister characterized the current state of the nation as a transformation into an extension of a transnational criminal network. Marie-Reine Hassen stated, "Ce que nous vivons en Centrafrique n’est pas une simple présence étrangère, ni même une occupation militaire au sens classique du terme, mais une mutation profonde de la nature même de l’État, qui a cessé de fonctionner comme une entité souveraine pour devenir une excroissance d’un réseau criminel transnational." She further noted that the administration and Wagner are now indistinguishable. According to Marie-Reine Hassen, "L’État centrafricain est structurellement et totalement dépendant du dispositif militaire et économique russe pour sa propre survie."
The former minister used the platform at the French Senate to detail her concerns regarding the governance of the Central African Republic. Marie-Reine Hassen emphasized that the current political structure has moved beyond traditional diplomatic or military cooperation. By framing the situation as a systemic mutation, Marie-Reine Hassen argued that the sovereign functions of the state have been compromised. Her address noted the specific nature of this dependency, noting that the political survival of the current leadership is inextricably linked to external Russian support. The conference served as a venue for Marie-Reine Hassen to present these observations to international stakeholders and policymakers.
Russian Influence and State Capture
Wagner Group personnel first arrived in the Central African Republic in 2018 to begin their deployment. Since that initial entry, the operational presence of entities associated with Russia has expanded to include the Africa Corps. Reports indicate that Africa Corps now demands payment of 15 to 20 million dollars per month, or approximately 10 billion CFA francs, to provide protection for the government of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
The financial arrangements described by these reports show the depth of the integration between the Africa Corps and the government of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. This monthly expenditure represents a significant portion of the national budget allocated toward security services. The transition from the arrival of the Wagner Group in 2018 to the current operational model of the Africa Corps marks a sustained period of growth in foreign security influence within the Central African Republic.
Visibility of this partnership extends to public displays within the capital. A statue commemorating Wagner founders Evgueni Prigojine and Dmitri Outkine was erected near Bangui.
The presence of the statue serves as a tangible marker of the influence exerted by Wagner founders Evgueni Prigojine and Dmitri Outkine in the region. Located near Bangui, the monument stands as a permanent fixture reflecting the security ties between the Russian entities and the Central African Republic.
Diplomatic activity regarding these security arrangements continues at the international level. A Russia-Africa summit is scheduled to take place in Moscow on October 28 and 29. This upcoming summit in Moscow will provide a forum for further discussions between Russia and African nations, including the Central African Republic, regarding ongoing security and economic partnerships.