Title: Wagner Group Under Scrutiny in Central African Republic: Allegations of Human Rights Violations and Money Laundering
Investigative Report Reveals Wagner Group’s Involvement in Mass Atrocities in Central African Republic (CAR)
The Russian mercenary group Wagner is under scrutiny following an explosive investigative report by CNN and The Sentry, a leading anti-corruption organization. The report, titled “It was our children they killed,” highlights alleged ties between Wagner and mass atrocities against civilians in CAR. This section outlines the key findings of the report:
Testimonies and Documents Suggesting Wagner’s Involvement
The investigation, which was conducted over several months, has uncovered testimonies and documents indicating the Wagner Group’s involvement in torture and killing of civilians in CAR.
Recommendations for Action
The Sentry’s findings have resulted in a series of recommendations for governments and financial institutions to prevent further atrocities and halt the Wagner Group’s illicit activities. Below is a list of the main recommendations:
1. US Sanctions on Wagner Group and Associated Entities
The United States should:
- Review its sanctions designations related to private security companies, including those linked to the Wagner Group, and individuals operating in CAR.
- Consider implementing targeted network sanctions on the Wagner Group’s leadership, members, associated entities, and enablers to address human right abuses and money laundering.
- Apply appropriate sanctions programs, such as Global Magnitsky, transnational criminal organizations, and country sanctions.
2. EU and UK Support for International Partners in Imposing Sanctions
The United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) should support international partners in imposing targeted network sanctions on private security companies perpetrating human rights abuses in the CAR, specifically the Wagner Group. Sanctions should be closely coordinated for maximum impact.
3. End Political Support for Touadéra Regime
The international community, led by the EU, US, and the UK, should take actions to end political support for the Touadéra regime if steps are not taken towards long-term peace, governance, and transparency. Military cooperation with the government should cease, and non-humanitarian direct financial assistance to the CAR government should be suspended. Benchmarks related to governance, democracy, and human rights should be set as preconditions for any further assistance.
4. Increased Transparency and Action from MINUSCA
The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) should take a more active and transparent role in responding to threats to the civilian population and documenting violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses. Following investigations, MINUSCA should share its findings with international partners to facilitate accountability for any alleged violations.
5. UN Working Group Investigation into Allegations
The UN Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries should launch a comprehensive investigation into the report’s allegations of serious human rights violations and international crimes committed by the Wagner Group. The Working Group should also engage EU, US, and other donor governments to urge the Central African government to end the use of mercenaries in the country’s conflict.
6. Enhanced Customer Due Diligence by Financial Institutions
Banks and financial institutions should conduct enhanced customer due diligence on individuals and entities with ties to private security companies operating in CAR. As these entities may pose a higher risk for illicit financial activities, such as sanctions evasion, money laundering, and corruption, diligence should be updated regularly. Accounts linked to the Wagner Group and its associates should be identified and frozen where required by law or bank policy.
The Urgency for Action
CAR’s ongoing human suffering, devastation, and the growing influence of the Wagner Group underscore the urgency of these recommendations. The international community and relevant financial institutions must act swiftly and cooperatively to bring accountability for the atrocities committed in the Central African Republic.
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