BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC – A troubling incident in the Central African Republic (CAR) has ignited concerns about the expanding influence of Russian mercenaries, particularly the Wagner Group, and their alleged disregard for human rights. Two CAR soldiers, Celestin Bakoyo and Elie Ngouengue, who previously led a Wagner-aligned militia against rebels in the country's southeast, have vanished after being detained in the capital, Bangui, last month. Their disappearance has sparked accusations of kidnapping against the Russian mercenaries, further straining the already fragile security landscape of the nation.

Bakoyo and Ngouengue were reportedly detained on January 24th at a police station in Bangui. According to Ernest Mizedio, a regional politician and opposition member, the two soldiers were among a group arrested by Russian mercenaries who are tasked with training and integrating militia members into the CAR army. Mizedio stated that extensive searches for the missing soldiers have yielded no results, with both law enforcement and Russian security contractors denying any knowledge of their whereabouts. He added that protests and marches have taken place in the southeast region demanding answers about the soldiers' fate.

The timing of their disappearance raises suspicions. The soldiers had traveled to Bangui to open new bank accounts to access their earnings after their integration into the army, suggesting a potential motive related to financial control by the mercenaries. Neither Wagner nor the CAR military has responded to requests for comment on the matter. A police officer, speaking anonymously, corroborated the growing influence of the mercenaries, stating they are increasingly vying for power and replacing local officers in conflict zones.

Joseph Bindoumi, president of CAR's League for Human Rights, condemned the disappearances as kidnappings. He emphasized that even if the soldiers were suspected of crimes, due process must be followed, and their whereabouts should be publicly known. Bindoumi stressed the fundamental right of access for families, lawyers, and human rights advocates to ensure the well-being of detainees and uphold basic legal standards.

This incident unfolds against a backdrop of deepening ties between the CAR government and the Kremlin. Russia has significantly expanded its military and economic footprint in CAR, leveraging mercenaries to combat rebellions and extremist groups. The Wagner Group's presence in CAR dates back several years, and they have been credited by some with helping to repel armed groups attempting to seize control of Bangui in 2021.

However, the mercenaries' operations have been consistently marred by allegations of severe human rights abuses. A 2023 investigation by The Sentry, a U.S.-based watchdog group, detailed a pattern of Wagner mercenaries training CAR army soldiers in torture tactics. The report also implicated the mercenaries in extrajudicial killings, torture, and rape as part of their counterinsurgency operations. These accusations, combined with the current disappearance of the soldiers, paint a disturbing picture of the potential consequences of Russia's growing influence in the CAR and the unchecked power of its mercenary forces. The international community is now facing increasing pressure to investigate these allegations and ensure accountability for any human rights violations. The future stability of the CAR hinges on addressing these concerns and establishing a framework that respects human rights and the rule of law.