According to the Russian embassy in the Central African Republic, doctors are fighting to save the life of Syty, the head of the Russian House in this country, who was injured in Bangui on Friday 17 December after a package exploded in his hands. His conditions would be stable and serious.
Russian media reported that Syty was in intensive care, had blood loss and was also diagnosed with a concussion.
According to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, the country’s police chief, Bienvenu Zokue, said that Syty “has received many threats and has already turned to the authorities”.
The owner of the Wagner group, Prigozhin, blamed the French side for what had happened. However, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, denied the allegations on Saturday, saying they were “a good example of Russian propaganda”.
The Wagner Group, a Russian PMC often referred to as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unofficial troops, is actively involved in his war against Ukraine. But mercenaries also operate in other countries. In particular, hundreds of Russian paramilitaries (PMC mercenaries) are present in the Central African Republic. Bungui still refers to these militants as “allies”.