Foreign firms accused of forest exploitation in CAR
The Sentry report details alleged tax evasion and illegal logging by Russian and Chinese companies.
An American NGO, The Sentry, released findings on November 10 detailing serious irregularities in the Central African Republic's forestry sector. The report accuses foreign companies, primarily Russian and Chinese, of non-payment of exploitation taxes, logging protected trees, and damaging forest ecosystems. Between 2021 and 2026, nearly 40% of forest concessions were reportedly controlled by Russian firms linked to the Wagner group and Chinese companies.
The Sentry's investigation highlights that these companies regularly violate the Central African Republic's forestry code by not paying taxes, disregarding their contractual obligations, and failing to generate economic benefits for local communities. Alex Bloom, who led the investigation, stated that potentially billions in taxes were not paid for exploitation permits, representing a significant loss for the Central African nation. The report also denounces the felling of trees protected under the CITES convention, including padouk, bibinga, and mahogany, with over 1500 instances of five protected species being exported.
The Sentry urges Central African authorities to revise the forestry code to strengthen sector regulation, improve governance, and ensure greater transparency. Recommendations include disclosing the real owners of forest concessions and reclaiming concessions belonging to the Wagner group. Neither the Central African authorities nor the implicated Russian and Chinese companies have yet commented on the investigation's findings.
Why it mattersThe Central African Republic faces significant revenue loss and environmental damage due to alleged illegal forestry practices by foreign companies.