In a move that raises questions about the future of the Wagner Group, hundreds of its forces have left the Central African Republic following the group's failed rebellion in Russia.
Some experts believe that this move could be the beginning of a Russian presence reorganization in the African country following the recent crisis between Wagner and Moscow. Others believe that the departing forces refused to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense, making them ineligible to remain in the country.
As the debate continues, members of the group continue to leave, heading to Libya and Belarus, amid media blackout and uncertainty surrounding the motives behind the move and the future of the Wagner Group in such a sensitive time.
According to the African news site "Oubangui," the first wave of departures occurred last Monday and has continued since then. Local sources have reported that Wagner fighters have already left several areas in the northern part of the country, especially from Moin Sido, a town on the border with Chad.
According to Western security sources, 500 Wagner men left for Libya before reaching Belarus. The same source estimates that 14 of the 47 Wagner Group camps are affected by this gap, albeit partially, while there will be about a thousand semi-military forces remaining in the country.
In any case, it is certain that there is a need to replace the departing forces, a necessary step after Moscow confirmed that current partnerships will continue. The Wagner Group will continue to work in Mali and the Central African Republic as trainers, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had previously confirmed.
On June 26th, Lavrov told RT that Wagner members working in Mali and the Central African Republic as "trainers" would definitely continue.
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