The fighting has forced local populations to flee into the bush. The Russian mercenaries backed by Central African Republic armed forces, pounded the rebel positions in the village and managed to take control of the area. Touadera, in power since 2016 has been facing rebels backed by former President François Bozizé ousted from power in 2013 amid a civil war. To prop up his power, Touadera turned to Moscow-backed Wagner in 2018. At 1,000 Wagner mercenaries are reportedly present in the African country which has slid into chaos since 2013.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 11, 2024 22:20 UTC