Russian mercenaries behind rape, torture and murder in Africa

Beasts, crimes and blatant human rights abuses signed by Russian mercenaries in the Central African Republic bring to light a revealing CNN investigation. Behind the presence and criminal activity of the Russians, researchers “see” the thirst for resources and mineral wealth of the African country.

The American network CNN in collaboration with the independent group Sentry – founded by the American actor George Clooney and the activist John Predergast – found cases of rape, murder, savage attacks on civilian victims as well as house fires.

Fatuma was at home with her children in the Central African Republic (CAR) town of Babari when the fire broke out on the afternoon of 15 February.

Terrified, she gathered them and took refuge in the nearest mosque, believing that it would be a safe haven. Instead, she and dozens of others – men, women and children – became targets. Her two children were shot but survived. At least twelve people were killed.

For at least 3 days the Russians did not allow them to retrieve the lifeless bodies of their loved ones. “It was the Russians and the FACA, the army of the Central African Republic,” Fatuma said.

Russian mercenaries, backed by at least one combat helicopter, attacked the neighborhood as they searched for guerrillas (Seleka). However, according to many witnesses, they started firing indiscriminately at civilians who had taken refuge in al-Taqwa Mosque.

“Not a single guerrilla was found in the mosque. They only killed the civilian population. We did not see a single Seleka dead body on the ground, it was our children who were killed. ” CNN changed the names of witnesses and victims to protect them.

Some said they came under fire from Russian helicopters that afternoon. The total number of victims that February afternoon is unknown. A CNN investigation, however, revealed that up to 20 people were killed in a single incident.

The bestiality of Russian mercenaries

The incident is one of dozens investigated by CNN and the Sentry team and reveals a wide range of human rights abuses by Russian mercenaries deployed in the African country.

According to the revelations, they are involved in house fires and murders of people on the pretext that they maintain ties with the guerrillas. Recently at a checkpoint 3 people were killed in cold blood, among them a staff of Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

Also shocking is the testimony of a 16-year-old man who was arrested with his brother by local troops in late February. He was taken to a Russian camp and beaten to death.

When he met, he saw his brother “covered in blood, tied like an animal, with his legs and arms behind his back.” Investigators accused the two children of being guerrillas. When his brother was finally released, he remained unconscious in hospital for three days.

Another woman, Jibrila, told CNN that her 15-year-old son was killed by Russians who were shot by a helicopter. When her husband tried to save him, he also came under fire. He ended up in hospital four days later. “My husband was buried with my 15-year-old son,” said Jibrila.

What is the Sentry team?

Sentry is an independent research team co-founded by Clooney and Predergast in 2015.

It is made up of financial experts, lawyers, former police officers and investigative journalists – along with John Predergast, who served on the US National Security Council as director of the Africa Division before becoming a human rights activist.

Its goal is to bring to light the economic networks behind the conflicts in Africa. The Hollywood star has said that the purpose of the group is “to ensure that war crimes are not paid”.

The UN revealing documents

The horrors are also “shown” by confidential UN documents obtained from Sentry.

A preliminary report in March by the UN peacekeeping force in the country (known as MINUSC A) said that in Babari, “FACA and foreign forces, especially Russians and their accomplices believed to be Syrians, may have committed crimes. war, especially in the execution of civilians and others who did not take part in hostilities. “

The MINUSCA team reported that at least three men were believed to have been “executed” by FACA / Russia forces. “These three men were not armed when they were arrested at the entrance to the mosque,” according to the confidential report.

The office of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights said in March that “state agents and their allies are arbitrarily killing civilians” and that people were “tortured, ill-treated and arbitrarily arrested”.

The Human Rights Directorate of MINUSC A made a preliminary report to investigate the allegations in Babari and Grimari, the scene of two alleged atrocities involving Russians. The document was obtained from Sentry and leaked to CNN.

An expanding “mission”

In 2017, the UN Security Council lifted the arms embargo on the African country, agreeing to the development of 175 Russian trainers for the local army. And somehow the Russians “set foot” in the country, writes CNN.
Valery Sakharov , a former Russian intelligence official, has become the president’s security adviser .
However, as previously reported by CNN, all but five of the trainers who arrived – along with a large supply of weapons – were not Russian military but private contractors, recruited by companies affiliated with Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozin, who has ties to President Vlandi. Putin.

A MINUSCA document states that there are now about 2,300 mercenaries in the country, including Syrians fighting alongside Russian mercenaries in Libya who were then sent to the African country.

A CNN team that requested permission to visit the country this month to inspect the situation has not received permission from authorities. For the 15,000- strong multinational force deployed in the country, the presence of Russian mercenaries is a “dilemma”.

MINUSCA chief Mankeur Ndiaye said in April that he had discussed allegations of human rights abuses with Russia’s deputy foreign minister and that Russian authorities had promised full co-operation with the UN investigation.

The … search for gold

The growing Russian presence in the Central African Republic serves multiple purposes. Several mercenary-affiliated companies are part of Prigogine’s business empire.
They include Sewa services , the infamous Wagner PMC team and Lobaye Invest. Prigogine denies any connection to Wagner.

UN experts said in March that they were “deeply disturbed” by the interconnected roles of all three and “their relationship with a series of violent attacks following the presidential election” in December.

Companies, however, need territorial control to exploit the country’s mineral wealth. CNN analysis shows that the Russian presence is concentrated in areas rich in minerals.

Near Babari, for example, there are extensive gold reserves . Last year, the government revoked the license of a Canadian company in Ndassima.

According to documents obtained by Sentry and CNN, the Ministry of Mines then granted a 25-year concession to a company called Midas Ressources, which is registered as a Russian entity .

According to Sentry co-founder John Predegats : “This lucrative new model for looting represents a rapidly spreading threat, causing death and destruction and undermining peace and security not only in Central Africa but elsewhere around the world.” .