The Disappearance of Soldiers in the Central African Republic: A Crisis of Accountability
Introduction
In recent weeks, the Central African Republic (CAR) has been plunged into a deepening crisis following the disappearance of two soldiers, Celestin Bakoyo and Elie Ngouengue. These individuals, who were leaders of a militia aligned with the Wagner Group—a Russian paramilitary organization—were detained on January 24 in the capital city of Bangui. Their disappearance has sparked outrage among human rights advocates, politicians, and local residents, who accuse Russian mercenaries of involvement in their kidnapping. This incident has highlighted the growing influence of Russian-backed forces in the CAR and raised concerns about accountability, human rights, and the role of foreign actors in the country’s internal affairs.
The Disappearance and Its Aftermath
Celestin Bakoyo and Elie Ngouengue were among a group of soldiers arrested by Russian mercenaries, who were reportedly tasked with training militia members and integrating them into the national army. According to Ernest Mizedio, a local politician and member of an opposition party, the two soldiers were detained at a police station in Bangui. Despite efforts to locate them, their whereabouts remain unknown. Mizedio expressed frustration, stating that both law enforcement and Russian security contractors claimed to have no information about the soldiers’ situation. This lack of transparency has fueled fears that the mercenaries are operating with impunity, bypassing local authorities and ignoring legal procedures.
The disappearance of Bakoyo and Ngouengue has triggered widespread protests in the country’s southeast, where the two soldiers were based. Residents and supporters have demanded answers, questioning the motives behind their detention and the role of Russian mercenaries in the region. The incident has also drawn attention to the broader context of Russia’s expanding influence in the CAR, where the Kremlin has been strengthening ties with the government and military in recent years.
The Role of Russian Mercenaries in the CAR
The Wagner Group, a private military company with ties to the Russian government, has been active in the CAR since 2018. The group’s involvement was initially framed as a partnership to stabilize the country, which has been embroiled in conflict since 2013. Russian mercenaries have been credited with helping government forces repel rebel groups, particularly during a 2021 offensive that threatened the capital, Bangui. However, their presence has also been marred by allegations of human rights abuses, including torture, rape, and extrajudicial killings.
A 2023 investigation by the U.S.-based watchdog group The Sentry revealed that Russian mercenaries have been training CAR soldiers in tactics that include torture, raising serious concerns about the erosion of human rights standards in the country. Additionally, mercenaries have been accused of exploiting the CAR’s rich natural resources, including gold and diamonds, for personal gain. The disappearance of Bakoyo and Ngouengue has further strained relations between local communities and Russian-backed forces, with many residents expressing outrage over the perceived manipulation and control of local militias.
Local Backlash and Calls for Accountability
The disappearance of the two soldiers has sparked a wave of protests and condemnation across the CAR, particularly in the southeast, where Bakoyo and Ngouengue were based. Residents in the Obo region have long feared rebel groups, but they now direct similar outrage toward Russian mercenaries. Many believe that the Wagner Group’s true intention was not to train and empower local militias but to control their movements and eliminate potential threats to their influence.
Robert Mboli, a resident of Obo, echoed the sentiments of many when he said, “We are outraged to understand the Russians’ idea to train the Azande Ani Kpi Gbe militiamen was to control their movement and decapitate them. We will demonstrate until they explain what they blame them for.” This growing mistrust underscores the fragile relationship between local communities and foreign actors, who are increasingly seen as perpetrators of violence and instability rather than protectors.
Broader Implications for the Region and Beyond
The incident in the CAR is part of a larger pattern of Russian involvement in Africa, where the Kremlin has been expanding its military and economic influence in recent years. From Libya to Mali, Russian mercenaries have been deployed to quell rebellions, fight extremist groups, and secure strategic resources. While these interventions are often framed as efforts to stabilize conflict-ridden regions, critics argue that they serve to advance Russian geopolitical interests while undermining local governance and human rights.
In the CAR, the disappearance of Bakoyo and Ngouengue has raised questions about the accountability of foreign actors and the role of the government in ensuring the protection of its citizens. Joseph Bindoumi, president of the CAR’s League for Human Rights, has condemned the incident, calling it a kidnapping and demanding transparency about the soldiers’ whereabouts. “We have the right to know if standard procedures are being followed,” Bindoumi said. “We have the right to see people to ensure their well-being and to ensure their parents, advocates, and lawyers can visit them.”
Conclusion
The disappearance of Celestin Bakoyo and Elie Ngouengue in the Central African Republic has exposed the darker side of Russian involvement in the region. As the Kremlin continues to expand its influence across Africa, incidents like this highlight the urgent need for greater accountability and transparency. The international community must pay close attention to the CAR’s deteriorating human rights situation and demand that all actors, including foreign mercenaries, adhere to international law and respect the rights of local populations. For the people of the CAR, the fight for justice and accountability is far from over.
