Bancroft Global Development, a U.S.-based private security firm, has entered the Central African Republic (CAR) posing a direct challenge to the long-standing influence of Russia’s Wagner Group. The development came in the wake of the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, and marked a significant shift in CAR’s security dynamics. The move is part of broader efforts by CAR to “diversify” its security partnerships, which had been dominated by Wagner since 2017. According to a recent Associated Press (AP) report, Bancroft’s presence is part of an ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and Russia for influence across Africa.
The AP report highlights that Bancroft officially entered discussions with CAR’s government in mid-2023, culminating in a deal in September 2023. This agreement marks CAR’s attempt to explore alternatives to Wagner, a group that had gained both popular support and controversy for its involvement in local security and control over lucrative mining operations. President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, dissatisfied with Wagner’s post-Prigozhin performance, sought out Bancroft as a way to diversify the country’s security landscape and pressure the Russians to improve.
Despite its limited deployment—fewer than 30 personnel involved in intelligence systems and capacity building—Bancroft’s arrival has sparked unrest. Pro-Wagner demonstrations occurred in early 2024, with protesters targeting Bancroft and other Americans as a symbol of U.S. intrusion.
Central African Republic – the People Stand with Wagner 🇨🇫
Local residents in CAR are speaking out about the illegal presence of Bancroft PMC in the nation. They have stated they will fight the American mercenaries and burned US flags. pic.twitter.com/w0jhBEVGxx
— James Porrazzo (@JamesPorrazzo) March 17, 2024
Wagner’s Influence and Russia’s Grip
Wagner has been deeply embedded in CAR’s security apparatus since 2017, and the group has long been hailed for its role in defending the government against rebel factions. This included halting a rebel offensive on Bangui in 2021. However, Wagner’s operations have also been marred by allegations of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and torture, as noted by The Sentry and other human rights groups. Wagner’s control over CAR’s security and economic resources—especially its rich mineral deposits—has been a cornerstone of Russian influence in the country.
In the years leading up to Bancroft’s entry, Russia poured significant resources into Wagner’s CAR operations. As reported by El País, Moscow invested nearly $930 million into Wagner between 2022 and 2023, making CAR a key example of Russia’s expanding influence in Africa. The paramilitary group’s presence in CAR has allowed Moscow to deepen ties with several African governments, often at the expense of traditional Western allies such as France and the U.S.
Wagner’s control over major economic assets, such as the Ndassima gold mine, has been a key part of its dominance. Any shift in this dynamic, such as increased cooperation with Bancroft, could have significant implications for CAR’s internal security and the broader geopolitical landscape in Africa.
According to defense experts cited in the AP report, Russia’s influence in CAR is at a critical juncture. If Bancroft’s involvement gains momentum, it could undermine Russia’s hold over CAR and lead to a broader reevaluation of Wagner’s role in other African nations. However, pro-Wagner sentiment still runs strong.
Unusually specific protest in N’Délé, CAR, in favor of Wagner and against Bancroft, the US PMC alleged to have engaged with CAR gov’t on possible contract. pic.twitter.com/s2oiZMsG4c
— Jack Margolin (@Jack_Mrgln) January 26, 2024
Bancroft’s Role
The U.S. had previously attempted to offer CAR alternatives to Wagner’s services, including discussions in late 2022, as highlighted by Africa News. However, it was not until Prigozhin’s death that CAR appeared willing to entertain a serious diversification of its security partners.
Bancroft, with its decades of experience in conflict zones like Somalia, brings a well-established reputation for training military personnel. The company has been a key partner in the African Union’s AMISOM mission in Somalia, where it has trained elite units to combat al-Shabab militants. In CAR, Bancroft’s focus appears to be on capacity building for local security forces, intelligence systems, and protecting infrastructure such as mining sites.
Defense analysts suggest that Bancroft’s limited deployment in the Central African Republic (CAR) could serve as a testing ground for other African nations. Should Bancroft’s mission prove successful and gain traction, it may weaken Russia’s influence in the region, particularly in CAR, and prompt a broader reassessment of Wagner’s presence and role across the African continent
Bancroft PMC, Kenyan #ATMIS troops and #Marsoc marines in Dalsan #Somalia 🇸🇴. That’s not something you see every day. pic.twitter.com/ipoNUKAy9i
— Grey Dynamics (@GreyDynamics) July 9, 2023
Despite this role, both Bancroft and U.S. officials have distanced themselves from any suggestion that the company is acting as a proxy for U.S. foreign policy. As noted by the AP and Newsweek, Bancroft’s activities are reportedly independent, though it does receive funding from the U.S. State Department.
