The African nation where Prigozhin’s Wagner Group has been ‘perfecting a nightmarish blueprint for state capture’
The Wagner Group is responsible for a raft of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Central African Republic (CAR), according to a new investigative report.
The group had been spearheading Russian attacks in parts of Ukraine before appearing to turn on the Kremlin after falling out with the Russian military over the conduct of the war.
Russia-Ukraine latest: ‘Criminal acts’ of rebels tried to split and weaken Russia, Putin says
Warning: The story below contains references to torture techniques
Washington based anti-corruption organisation The Sentry has found that Yevgeny Prigozhin’s mercenary group has been “perfecting a nightmarish blueprint for state capture” in the CAR to enable it to plunder the country’s national resources, particularly gold and diamonds.
Over the past five years, soldiers and militiamen have reportedly undergone Wagner training that has involved “ultraviolent” techniques of torture and killing, including how to cut fingers and legs, remove nails, strangle, throw fuel and burn people alive.
In close cooperation with CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the Wagner Group has significant control over the nation’s political and military leadership, as well as huge sway over its economy.
The report also found that part of Wagner’s training involved “sweeping” or “cleansing” which sources in the Central African military said meant killing everyone, including women and children.
Wagner mercenaries pictured in Mali. Pic: AP
One military source explained: “We kill villagers only, we bury them, or we throw them in the bush.”
A member of the presidential guard discussing the training he received said: “It was a Russian instructor who gave the training … it included commando training, interrogation, aggressive techniques, torture, violence.”
The training can last anywhere between one and six months and involves firearms training, hand-to-hand combat, and espionage, interrogation, and torture techniques, according to the report.
Taking advantage of President Touadera’s ever-increasing need for security and protection, Wagner has tightened its grip on the CAR’s economic resources and constructed a transnational network of shadowy companies and operations stretching from Madagascar, Cameroon, and Sudan all the way back to Moscow.
While Wagner commanders and President Touadéra have justified the group’s presence as a means to hunt down armed rebel groups to protect the regime, The Sentry found that Wagner has taken command and control of government armed forces.
Yevgeny Prigozhin
It has then gone on to order them to execute “cleansing” campaigns to massacre entire communities that might get in the way of the group’s extraction operations.
Soldiers involved in these activities said that Wagner’s intention is to create terror and instil fear, not only among rebels but across the population at large and even among the soldiers and militiamen under its control.
When the group first arrived in early 2018, the CAR had undergone decades of deadly crises that the UN and Western countries had failed to adequately address.
Wagner took advantage of this and has, in just few years and with relatively few personnel, become one of the most powerful forces in the CAR.
Its activities in the CAR are just one aspect of the private army’s operations on the continent, which span numerous countries across Africa including Libya, Sudan, Mali, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Burkina Faso.
Further afield they are also known to have an extensive presence in Syria.
Read more:
How revolt led by ‘Putin’s Chef’ unfolded
What happens to Prigozhin and his private army next
Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra
Mining companies affiliated with Wagner, primarily Lobaye Invest, Midas Ressources, and Diamville, have been granted mining licences and export authorisations, allowing the group to use its transnational networks across Africa to help set up industrial-scale gold production, according to the report.
It is also believed that Russia delivered heavy military equipment that had not previously appeared in the CAR conflict, including combat helicopters, aircraft, ground vehicles, reconnaissance drones, and heavy weapons including 14.5 mm heavy machine guns.
Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts
The report even alleges that Wagner has been using landmines in CAR.
The UN Panel of Experts on CAR noted that “deliveries of materiel in support of state security forces were observed at a pace unprecedented since the establishment of the arms embargo in 2013.”
Nathalia Dukhan, Senior Investigator and head of the Wagner programme at The Sentry, said: “The Central African Republic has become Wagner Group’s laboratory of terror.
“With a limited number of military personnel and the active support of President Touadéra, Wagner has managed in just five years to infiltrate and control CAR’s military chain of command, as well as the country’s political and economic systems.
“Russia has revealed its plan for psychological warfare and domination – a truly new kind of ultraviolent colonialism.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Wagner mutiny: The impact on Ukraine
“Without urgent and coordinated global action to counter this threat, Wagner’s predatory terrorist network will continue to spread and sow devastation wherever it takes root.”
The report urges the US, UK, EU, Canada, Japan and other nations and jurisdictions to widen the scope of sanctions against the group and declare Wagner a terrorist organisation.
The Sentry is an investigative and policy organisation that says it seeks to “disable multinational predatory networks that benefit from violent conflict, repression, and kleptocracy”.
In just 50 days, Donald Trump has upended our world. He has ripped up rules, attacked allies and sided with enemies.
A country we thought for decades had our backs is no longer a reliable partner.
We travelled thousands of miles to ask what that means for our lives and millions of others – from the sweltering backstreets of Africa to the frozen wastes of Greenland and Finland’s tense border with Russia.
Donald Trump‘s supporters at home and abroad see him as the disruptor-in-chief who will bring peace and prosperity, putting America first.
But to many others we found he threatens chaos and a far darker future.
While Mr Trump may be challenging convention and bringing fresh thinking, his critics say he is moving too fast and erratically. His first 50 days in office, they claim, have weakened America’s place in the world and that will be exploited by rivals.
Risk of resurgent epidemics in Kenya
We went first to Kenya. The focus in the West may have been on Mr Trump and Russia but in the developing world, it’s the end of US aid that is grabbing the headlines.
On the frontlines of Africa’s war on HIV we heard Mr Trump’s actions being compared to an act of “biological warfare”.
Even among allies and admirers of the American president, there is deep unease and fear about what could come next, most of all the risk of resurgent epidemics of diseases like HIV, TB, malaria, ebola, and polio.
A street in one of Kenya’s poorest neighbourhoods in Nairobi
In one of Kenya’s poorest neighbourhoods in Nairobi, we joined health workers on their rounds, down sewage-filled alleyways into cramped, overcrowded buildings.
In a one-room home, we met a young mother who is dependent on American aid. Anne is HIV positive and needs daily medication and nutritional support for both herself and her one-year-old son. She is terrified for their future because of the cut in US aid.
Anne, who is HIV positive, with her young child
An alleyway of one-room homes in Nairobi
“I’m so worried,” she told us, “because if it carries on like this the medication could run out. When the medicine is not there, the protector of my body is not there, so anything can just pass through me.”
‘We had no warning’
Kenya received $850m (£658m) in aid a year and that has now been abruptly severed. A US Supreme Court decision against the Trump administration may restore some of that but there is complete uncertainty about what happens next.
Martha, a healthcare manager in Nairobi, spelled out what is at stake: “We had no warning. We could not prepare the households. It was so sudden.
Martha, a healthcare manager in Nairobi
“We expect more death. We expect more children to die before the age of five. We expect more death for children living with HIV and it is going to be bad,” Martha said, adding that more than 20,000 children who use her organisation’s services will be affected.
90% of all US aid contracts cut
The Trump administration says the aid has been only been suspended for 90 days pending a review. But in reality, many key programmes appear to have been shut down completely.
After a 45-minute flight west of Nairobi to Kisumu, we saw what is happening away from big cities. The impact seemed just as severe.
At one provincial hospital US Agency for International Development (USAID) signs were everywhere but on doors that are now shut. It had been a hub for patients to receive their treatment but that’s now in doubt.
A health worker delivering medication in Kisumu
Kisumu, Kenya
Staff told us there were just two months of supplies left for some medication, and less than a month for others, because there have been no more deliveries.
Patients were stockpiling drugs, said doctors, panicking for the future.
‘Biological warfare’
The US-supplied ammunition for Africa’s war against HIV, malaria, TB and other diseases is running out. It has taken decades and billions to bring them under control. The fear is of a return to epidemics not seen for years.
A sign thanking the American people in the hospital in Kisumu
Deliveries of medication supplied by USAID in the Kisumu hospital
Eric Okioma is HIV positive and runs a charity helping others with the disease in Kisumu.
“When you look at it from a public health aspect, that’s biological warfare that’s the way I’m seeing it because from a human rights perspective, he did the wrong thing – he should not have taken it abruptly.”
Eric Okioma, who runs a charity helping others HIV in Kisumu
Mr Trump is popular among many in Kenya. His conservative stance on issues like gender and sexuality resonates in this predominantly Christian country.
But even among admirers and supporters there is deep unease about his aid cut.
Peter Gunday, a father and churchgoer, told us he agreed Kenya should be less dependent on US aid and encouraged to provide for itself – but Mr Trump’s action had been too sudden.
“He wants to make America great again… [but give an] olive branch to us even if it is only for some time.”
Peter Gunday, a churchgoer in Kisumu
The aid cut threatens lives and America’s standing in the world. The US has used aid to wield soft power and influence.
Read more:
US aid crisis leaves South Africans living with HIV in turmoil
What is USAID?
America in retreat
Its superpower rival China prefers building. They have lent billions for massive infrastructure projects like the new railway from Nairobi to the coast through the heart of the city’s safari park.
For Beijing it’s all leverage, applied ruthlessly to increase access to Africa’s abundant natural resources.
One of the new Chinese-built roads in Kenya
Under Trump, America is unilaterally deserting that battle for power and influence. Its values and interests will inevitably suffer. Not so much America first but America in retreat.
Finland prepares for Russian aggression
Closer to home, it is America’s shift on security causing the greatest concern. We flew thousands of miles north to one of NATO‘s newest member countries that sits on a border with Russia.
What did people in Finland make of what Mr Trump is doing to the Western alliance they have only just joined?
We filmed with Finland‘s military on the border with Russia that was closed because of the war in Ukraine.
On Finland’s border with Russia
In sparsely populated woods, locals report sightings of Russian drones, we were told. And there has been a surge in recruits to the border guard because of the international situation.
One of them, Aku Jaeske, told us he had joined up “for the defence of our own country”.
Aku Jaeske
He said: “I think most of us, I think, are here because of that. It’s really hard if we have a 1,300 and something kilometre border with Russia – it’s pretty long – we have to have good men there.”
‘Bring it on’, says one Finn
What did he make of Mr Trump and what he saw on the news?
“I think it’s crazy when you turn your TV on today, you can’t know what is really happening.”
The war with Ukraine and Russia’s belligerence has sparked a boom in shooting, with hundreds of new ranges opening up in Finland to meet demand.
In a range outside Helsinki, one shooting enthusiast Jerkri told us what he thought was behind its growing popularity.
![Jerkri says shooting has become popular in Finland because 'people are noticing maybe [they are] to take care of themselves'](https://e3.365dm.com/25/03/768x432/skynews-jerkri-finland-shooting_6849200.png?20250307172024)
Jerkri says shooting has become popular in Finland because ‘people are noticing maybe [they are] to take care of themselves’
Inside one of Finland’s growing number of shooting ranges
“The situation in Ukraine and people are noticing that maybe [they are] having to take care of themselves… think about it.”
Amateur shooters go through their paces, crisscrossing an open range at speed firing at targets dotted around the room. Patrick said he was worried by the direction of events.
“But if it did come to it… bring it on,” he said.
Patrick says ‘bring it on’ in response to a question on having to use his shooting skills in the future
In a service station, Finland’s most popular tabloid had the headline, “Trump’s 10 gifts to Putin.”
Finns were once a byword for peace-loving neutrality. They are arming up now, and watching Mr Trump’s overtures to the Kremlin warily.
Finland after all is where Mr Trump stood next to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his first term in office and infamously said he would believe him over the word of US spy agencies.
US may be deserting the West
The Finns know from their history a belligerent Russia cannot be trusted.
In Europe, the US is not just withdrawing under Donald Trump, who says the US cannot prioritise the continent’s security any longer. It looks like it may be changing sides deserting the West entirely: Cutting off aid and intelligence to Ukraine while it is pummelled by Russian rockets and drones; branding Ukraine’s leader – and not the tyrant of Moscow – a dictator; attacking close allies with tariffs; resetting relations with Russia while it continues to invade a part of Europe.
‘Trump is ridiculous’, Greenlanders say
And threatening to take over its neighbours. Our journey ended in Greenland, top of the list of Mr Trump’s planned acquisitions.
Most people we spoke to were genuinely worried by him.
Nuuk, the capital of Greenland
Students Aviana and Julie told us Mr Trump’s antics were alarming.
“That’s very scary actually – it seems he’s more with Russia than Ukraine. I’m really scared.”
Students Aviana and Julie said they were scared by Trump’s actions
Another passerby said Mr Trump had no right to make a play for their homeland. They said: “I think it’s ridiculous that he thinks he can just take our land. We don’t have the resources to fight against the USA.”
Jurgen Boassen has become a well-known figure for having opposing views – he is outspokenly pro-Trump.
Jurgen Boassen, who is pro-Trump and is paid by MAGA groups to promote ‘cultural ties’ between Greenland and the US
“I think he is a great man who wants to have peace in the world,” he told us.
‘Europe is failing’
He admits he is paid by MAGA groups in America to promote “cultural ties” and believes Greenland will gradually come around to the idea of becoming closer to America.
Ice caps in Greenland
“I don’t care because they will realise I’m doing the good thing for Greenland. Europe is failing, Britain, Sweden, Belgium, Holland even Germany,” he said.
Wherever we travelled people seemed in shock. America used to believe helping others was good for America – keeping the peace in Europe, saving lives, or protecting the sovereignty of neighbours.
Read more:
Why does Trump want Greenland?
85% of Greenlanders oppose joining US, poll finds
The fear is under President Trump it is just out for itself. The idea Mr Trump could carve up the world into spheres of influence with other authoritarian leaders seems plausible. If that is the case, lesser nations like Greenland may have plenty to fear.
From what we were told on our journey, Donald Trump’s America First foreign policy risks the lives of millions, the security and sovereignty of allies, and America’s own place in the world while potentially strengthening its enemies.
World
Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney named prime minister of Canada – succeeding Justin Trudeau
Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney has been named Canadian prime minister after winning the Liberal Party leadership race in a landslide victory.
Mr Carney, who also used to be the head of Canada’s central bank, emerged as the frontrunner in the contest as the country deals with the impact of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
He ended up winning 85.9% of the vote.
During his victory speech, he told the crowd: “Donald Trump, as we know, has put unjustified tariffs on what we build, on what we sell and how we make a living.
“He’s attacking Canadian families, workers and businesses and we cannot let him succeed and we won’t.”
Mr Carney said Canada would keep retaliatory tariffs in place until “the Americans show us respect”.
Mr Trump’s tariffs against Canada and his talk of making the country America’s 51st state have infuriated Canadians.
The American national anthem has been repeatedly booed at NHL and NBA games.
“Think about it. If they succeeded, they would destroy our way of life… America is a melting pot. Canada is a mosaic,” Mr Carney added.
“America is not Canada. Canada will never ever be part of America in any way, shape or form.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
‘You can’t take our country or our game’
The 59-year-old will replace Justin Trudeau, who has served as prime minister since 2015.
Mr Trudeau announced he was stepping down in January after facing calls to quit from a chorus of his own MPs.
The 53-year-old’s popularity had declined as food and house prices rose.
Mr Carney will now have to decide when to call a general election in Canada – which must take place on or before 20 October.
In 2013, he became the first non-UK citizen to run the Bank of England since it was founded in 1694.
His appointment was popular in Britain after Canada recovered from the 2008 financial crisis faster than many other countries.
Read more:
Trudeau steps down with his popularity in shreds
Canadian PM criticises Trump over tariffs
During leadership debates, Mr Carney argued he was the only person prepared to handle Trump.
“I know how to manage crises,” he said.
“In a situation like this, you need experience in terms of crisis management, you need negotiating skills.”
The surge in Canadian nationalism has bolstered the Liberal Party’s chances in a parliamentary election.
US President Donald Trump has suggested Ukraine “may not survive” the war against Russia even if American support continued.
In an interview with Fox News channel’s ‘Sunday Morning Futures’, Mr Trump was asked about his controversial decision to pause support for Kyiv as it fends off Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Mr Trump, who had a disastrous meeting with Mr Zelenskyy at the White House last week, was asked about a warning from Polish President Andrzej Duda “that without American support, Ukraine will not survive”.
Asked if he was “comfortable” with that outcome, the US president said: “Well, it may not survive anyway.
“But we have some weaknesses with Russia. You know, it takes two,” Mr Trump added.
Donald Trump. File Pic: Reuters
Follow the latest updates on Donald Trump
It comes as Mr Zelenskyy will visit Saudi Arabia for a Monday meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives will meet with a US delegation on Tuesday.
Mr Trump’s latest remarks come amid global concern over the souring relationship between Ukraine and the US, which alongside the EU has been Kyiv’s main backer in its defence against Russia’s three-year land, air and sea invasion.
The US paused military aid and the sharing of intelligence with Ukraine this month after a meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskyy on 28 February descended into acrimony in front of the world’s media.
👉 Follow Trump 100 on your podcast app 👈
Mr Trump ordered the pause as he attempts to put pressure on Mr Zelenskyy to negotiate a ceasefire deal with Russia.
Mr Trump has privately made it clear to aides that a signed minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv will not be enough to restart aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, Sky News’ US partner network NBC reported earlier on Sunday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
How are Americans feeling after nearly 50 days of Trump?
Read more:
Rating Donald Trump’s second term so far
‘Trump bump’ turns to a Trump slump
The 78-year-old president is said to want the deal signed, but also wants to see a change in Mr Zelenskyy’s attitude towards peace talks.
Officials have told NBC News that Mr Trump also wants Mr Zelenskyy to make some movement towards holding elections in Ukraine and possibly stepping down as his country’s leader.
Mr Zelenskyy said in a recent interview he would be ready to step down as Ukraine’s president if it meant his country would become a NATO member and find peace.
That came after he was branded a “dictator” by Mr Trump as Ukraine had not held fresh elections – despite laws prohibiting it during wartime.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports11 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business2 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway