Dimitri Sytyi

Central African Republic
Wagner's Valery Zakharov makes discreet return to Bangui

Faustin-Archange Touadéra's former adviser Valery Zakharov orchestrated a top secret return to the CAR in recent weeks after a two-year absence. The ex-Russian intelligence officer is now under international sanctions, including from the US.

Palace Intrigues
Emmanuel Macron, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Dan Gertler, Faustin-Archange Touadéra

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

FranceMacron's new ‘Mr Africa' to start in January

GabonOmer Laviv, Dan Gertler's go-between with Oligui Nguema

Central African RepublicRussian deputy defence minister misses Touadéra on Bangui stopover

LibyaParis embassy diplomat chastised by Quai d'Orsay

Central African Republic
Minair, Wagner's favourite local airline

Deprived of some of their plans in Central African Republic for months, the Russian paramilitary group Wagner's men have turned to a local solution and is using the airline Minair.

West Africa
Australian miners wary of Russian forays into West Africa

The Australian mining and petroleum community in West Africa is keeping a close eye on the growing Russian influence in the region.

Spotlight | Central African Republic, Russia
Moscow-Bangui relations hit rough patch

Relations between Russia and the Central African Republic remain strong, yet they've grown tense in recent weeks. Moscow, deprived of its official representatives in the country, is now working in the dark.