Wagner PMC Commander Dmitry 'Salem' Podolsky Appointed Security Advisor to the Central African Republic's Touadera

Russian mercenary sources reported today the appointment of famed Wagner PMC Commander Dmitry Podolsky, callsign 'Salem,' as security advisor to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic (CAR).

A renowned commander of Wagner's 5th Assault Detachment, Podolsky served in Syria before leaving the military in 2017 after suffering a concussion that affected his hearing. He joined PMC Wagner at the onset of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, taking on the role of commander. While fighting in the battle of Bakhmut, Podolsky was seriously injured, resulting in the loss of his right arm, which forced him to utilize a carbon fiber prosthetic. Command of the 5th Assault Detachment was then allegedly assumed by an officer with the callsign 'Mehan.'

After a period of rehabilitation, Podolsky was pictured in the Central African Republic, where he is believed to have initially held the position of senior officer within Wagner's ranks in the country.

The Central African Republic: Wagner's Playground

Embroiled in conflict since gaining independence in 1960, the current conflict in the CAR can be traced back to the 2003 coup conducted by François Bozizé, which ousted President Ange-Félix Patassé, who had ruled the country since 1993.

A government-led counterinsurgency campaign began in 2004 against the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR), a now-disbanded rebel group.

The initial conflict between the government and the UFDR led to the creation of the 'Seleka' rebels, who began their own offensive against the government in 2012.

Michel Djotodia, the leader of the primarily Muslim Seleka rebel coalition, seized power in March 2013 but was forced to resign in January 2014 after various 'Anti-Balaka' coalitions of primarily Christian rebels formed in response to his Seleka forces, plunging the country further into violence.

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra came to power in a February 2016 runoff, with the U.S. Department of State claiming at the time that, "despite reports of irregularities, international observers reported that the February 2016 presidential and legislative elections were free and fair."

The election slowed fighting between the Seleka and Anti-Balaka forces, but only in the capital. Much of the country's rural territories remain under the control of various rebel groups. The capital, Bangui, remains the only government stronghold in the country, although aid from Russia's Wagner Group has resulted in the reclamation of some territory.

In 2018, the first Russian 'military advisers' were deployed to the Central African nation, and the military relationship between the CAR and Russia flourished. It is believed that an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 Russian mercenaries—under the command of Russia's 'Africa Corps'—are currently operating in the nation.

In addition to training the CAR military, Russian mercenaries conduct raids on rebel groups, often targeting their leaders. Resource extraction is also a key motive for the group, with Wagner members securing rights to or attacking gold mines in the country, as gold from African nations has enabled the Kremlin to circumvent international sanctions imposed due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Local sources report instances of human rights abuses committed by the paramilitary group almost every day, particularly in rural areas.

The appointment comes as armed men allegedly belonging to the 'Retour, Reclamation et Réhabilitation' (3R) rebel group began increasing their movements along the Bouar and Bocaranga axes in the northwest of the country, raising alarm among the area's civilians.

Formed in late 2015, the group claims to protect ethnic Fulani herders from Anti-Balaka attacks, although it has been accused of committing human rights abuses.

According to local press Corbeau News Centrafrique, "on the night from Saturday to Sunday, these armed men blocked traffic for more than an hour on the Bozoum-Bouar axis. They intercepted passersby, looking for people in uniform. Motorcycle taxi drivers and pedestrians were held for three hours before being released."

"After these incidents, the armed men dispersed into the bush toward an unknown destination, plunging the local populations into psychosis. The inhabitants of Kpare and Donga are launching an urgent appeal to the government to ensure their safety," said the press organization.