Russian and Chinese firms accused in Central African Republic
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Radio Ndeke Luka
Illustrative image · Vincent Delsuc · Pexels · Licence PexelsUS NGO The Sentry published an investigation on Tuesday 10 November 2026 accusing Russian forestry companies linked to the Wagner group and Chinese firms of controlling nearly 40% of concession areas in the Central African Republic between 2021 and 2026, without paying operating taxes or complying with the Forest Code. The report also denounces the felling of protected species and lost revenue for the state and local communities, according to Alex Bloom, the investigation’s lead.
The US NGO The Sentry accuses Russian companies and Chinese firms operating in the Central African forestry sector of failing to pay certain taxes, comply with their specifications and fell protected species. Between 2021 and 2026, these companies controlled nearly 40% of the areas granted for forestry operations in the Central African Republic, according to the findings of an investigation published by The Sentry on Tuesday 10 November.
The Russian companies cited include Bois Rouge and Forest Consulting Company, which The Sentry presents as linked to the Wagner group, while Vic Wood, Great Luck and SINFOCAM are among the Chinese companies mentioned. The NGO says these practices reduce the economic benefits for local communities and estimates that thousands, or even billions, in taxes may not have been paid, according to Alex Bloom, the investigation’s lead.
The Sentry also says it recorded more than 1,500 exports to Vietnam, China and Turkey involving five of the six Central African tree species listed under CITES, including padouk, bibinga and mahogany. The NGO calls on Central African authorities to revise the Forest Code to strengthen regulation, governance and transparency in the sector.
