Statue of Wagner founder Prigozhin unveiled in Central African Republic

A statue honoring Yevgeny Prigozhin, the late leader of Russia's Wagner Group, was unveiled in the Central African Republic (CAR) capital, Bangui. The monument, depicting Prigozhin in bullet-proof clothing, symbolizes the relationship between CAR and Russia. Prigozhin and his associate Dmitru Utkin died in a plane crash in August 2023. The Wagner Group has been active in CAR since 2018, assisting the government against rebel groups and securing mining contracts. Despite ongoing instability, the presence of Russian mercenaries has been defended by CAR's President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Critics argue that this support comes at the cost of the country's resources.