Wagner and Chinese firms control 40% of CAR forests
A new report details lost revenue and violations of forestry law due to foreign control of concessions.
Russian group Wagner and Chinese forestry firms now control nearly 40% of commercial logging areas in the Central African Republic. This concentration of control is linked to significant irregularities, unpaid taxes, and unfulfilled social commitments, according to an investigation by The Sentry organization.
The Sentry's report, titled "Self-Service Wood: How the Central African Forestry Sector Became Prey to Corruption and Negligence," examines six of the country's 14 commercial forest concessions. Four of these concessions are managed by Chinese companies, while two are associated with the Wagner group.
The investigation highlights millions in lost revenue and violations of the country's forestry code, with a notable absence of oversight from Central African authorities. The full report is scheduled for publication on November 10, 2026.
Why it mattersThe Central African Republic is losing millions in potential revenue and facing violations of its forestry laws due to the control of its forest concessions by foreign entities.