AGP Executive Report

Russian Influence & AI in CAR: A new Anthropic report says Russian agents in Bangui used the AI assistant Claude to monitor opposition and generate pro-Russian propaganda aired by Radio Lengo Songo, portraying the CAR government and Africa Corps positively while attacking France and critics. Education Policy: CAR’s education minister signed an order adding Russian to secondary school curricula, building on Russian House teaching in Bangui that has reached about 1,100 students in classrooms and thousands more via free courses. US Deportations to Africa: Reuters reports the US has deported at least 40 LGBT migrants who had legal protection to African countries where same-sex relations are criminalised or where abuses are documented, including a Togolese man sent to Sierra Leone. Legal Pressure on Deportations: UN human rights experts warn the US “third-country” deportation scheme is causing a “cascade” of rights violations after the Supreme Court allowed removals to resume. CAR in the Crosshairs of Fraud: US prosecutors say a Michigan woman posed as a CAR ambassador and banker to steal over $1 million from victims, alleging a fake “Steel Private Bank” and lavish spending. Regional Security Diplomacy: UNOCA’s new head, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, met senior leaders in Brazzaville, stressing peace and security priorities across ECCAS.

UN Rights Pressure on CAR-linked Deportations: UN human rights experts urged the Trump administration to halt “third-country” migrant deportations, saying harms are no longer hypothetical and warning of a “cascade” of rights abuses; they noted CAR has been receiving Iranian deportees under such arrangements. Russian Influence via AI and Education: In Bangui, a report says Russian agents used the AI assistant Claude to push pro-Russian messaging and monitor opposition through Radio Lengo Songo; separately, CAR’s education minister signed an order adding Russian to secondary school curricula, building on “Russian House” teaching since 2024. Health Security at the Border: With Ebola approaching CAR’s border, health and water systems are under strain as cross-border movement raises transmission risks. CAR in Regional Diplomacy: A new UN envoy for Central Africa, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, met ECCAS leaders in Brazzaville, putting peace and security on the agenda. Finance and Governance: Bangui hosts the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, aiming to turn regional financing debates into deals for SMEs, infrastructure, and cross-border payments. Pope Meets Touadéra: Pope Leo XIV received President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, discussing CAR’s social, political, and humanitarian situation.

Russia-Linked AI Disinformation: A new Anthropic report says Russian agents in Bangui used the AI assistant Claude to monitor opposition and generate pro-Russian propaganda, including content aired by Radio Lengo Songo, tied to Wagner-linked networks. Education & Influence: CAR’s Education Minister signed an order adding Russian to secondary school curricula, building on “Russian House” teaching in Bangui since 2024 and expanding classroom and free course access. Ebola Risk at the Border: With Ebola approaching CAR’s border, health and water systems are under strain as cross-border movement raises the chance of transmission into the country. Diplomacy in the Region: UNOCA’s new head, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, met CAR’s regional leadership in Brazzaville, signaling continued focus on peace and security across Central Africa. Justice Spotlight: The ICC convicted a senior Seleka commander for crimes against humanity in Bangui in 2013, underscoring long-delayed accountability for CAR’s conflict-era abuses. Finance & Governance: Bangui hosted Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, pushing financing deals for SMEs, cross-border payments, and infrastructure needs across the subregion. Religious Affairs: Pope Leo XIV received CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, discussing the country’s social, political, and humanitarian situation.

Russian Language in CAR Schools: CAR’s Education Minister signed an order adding Russian to secondary curricula, building on “Russian House” teaching in Bangui since 2024 and expanding classes for both students and adults. CAR–Russia Security-Education Link: The same push is framed by reporting that Russia’s presence in CAR has included military instructors and Wagner-era influence, with the “Russian House” also tied to outreach and messaging. Ebola Risk at CAR Border: With Ebola spreading in eastern DRC, IOM warns cross-border movement raises the chance of transmission into CAR, stressing fragile health and water systems. Third-Country Deportations Reach CAR: New reporting describes migrants flown to Bangui under the U.S. third-country removal program, including accounts of pepper-ball use and restraints, while lawyers allege extortion and detention by local police. Bangui Finance Dealmaking: Bangui hosts the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, aiming to turn regional financing debates into signed deals for SMEs, cross-border payments, and infrastructure. Pope Meets Touadéra: Pope Leo XIV received President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, discussing CAR’s social, political, and humanitarian situation. US Visa Bond Rule Watch: A U.S. State Department list expands visa bond requirements for B1/B2 visitors, with CAR included among Level 4 travel-risk contexts.

Russian Language in Schools: CAR’s Education Minister signed an order adding Russian to secondary curricula, building on “Russian House” teaching in Bangui since 2024 and expanding classroom uptake. Regional Diplomacy: UNOCA’s new head, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, met CAR’s regional leadership in Brazzaville, stressing peace and security priorities across ECCAS. Ebola Risk at the Border: Health agencies warn Ebola in eastern DRC is edging closer to CAR through cross-border movement, testing fragile water and health systems. CAR in U.S. Deportation Policy: A U.S. Supreme Court move keeps “third-country” deportations running, with CAR named among destinations, while rights groups raise concerns about due process and safety. Energy Cooperation Roadmap: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 energy cooperation roadmap after a Bangui meeting, covering energy, geology, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education. Bangui Finance Meetings: Bangui hosts the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, aiming to turn regional financing debates into deals for SMEs, cross-border payments, and infrastructure.

Russian Language in Schools: CAR has formally moved to include Russian language in parts of its education system, with Education Minister Aurelien-Simplice Kongbele-Zingas signing the decree after “Russian House” classes run in Bangui since 2024—an expansion tied to Russia’s long-running influence since Wagner’s 2018 arrival. Energy Co-operation Roadmap: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 energy co-operation roadmap after the first intergovernmental commission meeting in Bangui, covering energy, geology/subsoil use, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education. Third-Country Deportations Fallout: U.S. Supreme Court action allowing rapid third-country deportations is again putting CAR in the spotlight, as reporting and rights groups describe migrants being sent to countries they have no ties to, with accounts of coercion and fear-based legal challenges. Bangui Financial Talks: Bankers and regulators are set to gather in Bangui for the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days (Oct. 1–3), aiming to turn regional financing debates into deals for SMEs, cross-border payments and structural transformation. Justice for 2013 Crimes: A Bangui-focused justice story resurfaced as the ICC convicted a senior Seleka commander for crimes against humanity committed in 2013, underscoring ongoing accountability gaps for other suspects still at large.

CAR Politics & Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV met President Faustin-Archange Touadéra at the Vatican, discussing CAR’s social, political and humanitarian situation as the country remains among the world’s poorest and faces displacement pressures. U.S. Deportations & CAR Impact: A U.S. Supreme Court order cleared the way for rapid “third-country” deportations, and reporting says people have been sent to CAR among other destinations; separate reporting also describes migrants alleging pepper-ball force, shackling and restraints during flights to Bangui. Legal Accountability: An op-ed highlights the International Criminal Court conviction of a senior Seleka commander for crimes against humanity in Bangui in 2013, underscoring long-delayed justice for victims. Regional Finance in Bangui: Bankers and regulators gather in Bangui Oct. 1–3 for the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, aiming to turn financing debates into deals for SMEs, cross-border payments and infrastructure. Energy Cooperation: CAR and Russia signed a 2026–2028 energy cooperation roadmap after a Bangui meeting, including work on geology, subsoil use and broader sector collaboration. Governance & Security Cooperation: A separate report notes France and Chad are rebuilding ties through business and a more discreet security partnership after France’s 2024 withdrawal.

US Supreme Court & CAR-linked deportations: The US Supreme Court cleared the way for Trump to resume rapid “third-country” deportations while legal challenges continue, allowing removals to nations including the Central African Republic without advance notice or a chance to raise safety objections. Human rights backlash: Critics and rights groups warn the policy could send people to places where they face persecution or torture, and reporting says some deportees were restrained and attacked during flights. CAR justice and accountability: A separate piece highlights the ICC conviction of a senior Seleka commander for 2013 crimes in Bangui, underscoring long-delayed accountability for past abuses. Energy diplomacy: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 energy cooperation roadmap after a commission meeting in Bangui, with plans spanning energy, geology, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education. Regional finance in Bangui: Bankers and regulators from across CEMAC are set to meet in Bangui for the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, aiming to turn financing debates into deals for SMEs and cross-border payments.

CAR Justice & Accountability: A long-delayed push for accountability continues in Bangui as the ICC convicts senior Seleka commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani for crimes against humanity tied to 2013 abuses, underscoring how victims have waited years for justice while key figures remain at large. Papal Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV met President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, discussing CAR’s social, political and humanitarian situation amid decades of conflict and mass displacement. CAR–Russia Energy Deal: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 roadmap for energy cooperation after a commission meeting in Bangui, expanding talks beyond energy into geology, subsoil use and other sectors. Bangui Finance Push: Bangui hosts the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days (Oct. 1–3), aiming to turn regional financing debates into signed deals for SMEs, infrastructure and cross-border payments. Ebola Spillover Risk (Regional): While not CAR-specific, DRC’s Ebola expansion into Sud-Ubangi highlights ongoing health-security pressure across Central Africa. US Deportations Touch CAR: US Supreme Court action allows rapid “third-country” deportations to places including the Central African Republic, drawing renewed criticism over due process and destination safety.

US Supreme Court on CAR-linked deportations: The US Supreme Court temporarily cleared the Trump administration to resume “third-country” deportations without advance notice or a chance to contest destination safety, while the case is fast-tracked for full review in December and a final ruling expected later. The policy has already sent thousands to countries including the Central African Republic, and critics warn it could expose deportees to persecution or torture. CAR–Russia energy track: Russia and the Central African Republic signed a 2026–2028 roadmap after a Bangui meeting, covering energy, geology/subsoil use, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education, with a second commission session planned in Russia. Legal pressure on deportation deals: A US-based legal fight described how CAR police allegedly extort detainees tied to third-country removals, with UN-linked bailouts sometimes used to secure release. Diplomatic reset in the region: France and Chad are rebuilding ties through business and a more discreet security partnership after the 2024 defense-pact rupture—an indirect signal of shifting Sahel security alignments that can affect CAR’s neighborhood politics.

U.S. Deportations and CAR: The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily cleared President Trump’s administration to resume “third-country” deportations without advance notice or a chance to contest where people will be sent, with the case fast-tracked for December arguments and a final ruling expected later. Human rights groups say more than 25,000 migrants have already been removed to dozens of destinations, including the Central African Republic, while critics warn the policy risks persecution and torture. U.S.-CAR Security and Rights Pressure: A separate report highlights how CAR-based police allegedly kidnap people to extort money tied to the deportation pipeline, with some cases involving IOM bailouts—adding pressure on CAR’s authorities as U.S. removals expand. Russia–CAR Energy Deal: Russia and the Central African Republic signed a 2026–2028 energy cooperation roadmap after a Bangui meeting of their intergovernmental commission, covering energy, geology, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education. International Influence via Media: A new account says Russian-linked actors used AI to generate pro-government, pro-Russia, anti-France content for a CAR radio station, including forged messages attributed to CAR security institutions. Diplomatic Appointments: The U.S. nominated Christian Ehrhardt—previously a security official in Cameroon—for ambassador to Yaoundé, signaling continued U.S. focus on regional security around the CAR.

U.S. Deportation Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court let President Trump’s administration resume “third-country” deportations for now, pausing a lower-court order that required migrants to get notice and a meaningful chance to argue harms they could face; the court will hear the case in December, with dissent from three liberal justices, and rights groups say over 25,000 people have already been sent to 29 countries, including the Central African Republic. UN Rights Alarm: UN human rights experts warned the scheme is triggering a “cascade” of abuses—torture, enforced disappearance, slavery and trafficking—citing deals with more than 35 countries, including CAR, and urging an immediate halt. CAR in the Spotlight: Reports tied to the policy describe deportees being sent to CAR and other African states where they have no ties, while advocates say the process leaves people exposed to detention and violence. Russia-Africa Influence: A new analysis says Russian-linked influence operations used AI-generated content from Bangui radio channels to push pro-government, pro-Russia and anti-France narratives. CAR-Related Energy Diplomacy: Russia’s energy minister is set for a working visit starting in CAR, including meetings tied to trade and technical cooperation. Sports (CAR Mention): AFCON 2027 qualifiers continued with CAR playing Burkina Faso in Casablanca due to stadium constraints.

UN Rights Pressure on CAR: UN experts say US “third-country” deportations are triggering a cascade of rights abuses, naming the Central African Republic among destinations and warning of risks including torture, trafficking, and enforced disappearance. Deportation Fallout in CAR: Reports describe deportees held in legal and humanitarian limbo in CAR, with accounts of detention, lack of documents, and fear of violence. CAR in the AFCON Qualifier Spotlight: In AFCON 2027 qualifying, the Central African Republic lost 0-1 to Burkina Faso, while DR Congo beat Zimbabwe 2-1 and Tunisia drew Botswana 2-2—results that shape the race for qualification. Regional Health Watch: Africa CDC warns 10 countries, including CAR, are at risk as the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak expands, urging stronger surveillance and rapid response at points of entry. Economy & Infrastructure Angle: A proposed CAR–Kribi iron ore rail corridor could unlock exports and boost dry-bulk shipping demand, with early timelines pointing to exports in the early 2030s. CEMAC Finance: BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion after strong bank demand across the CEMAC bloc, including CAR.

US Deportations & CAR: UN human rights experts warn Washington’s “third-country” deportation deals are triggering a “cascade of human rights violations,” citing risks of torture, enforced disappearance and breaches of non-refoulement; they say the US has sent at least 23,000 people to 29 countries/territories, including the Central African Republic, and note limited transparency and oversight. Legal Fight in Washington: The dispute is now headed back to the US Supreme Court as the Trump administration seeks to keep third-country removals running despite court rulings requiring migrants be warned and allowed to contest harms. Deportees’ Accounts from Bangui: Reports from deportees held in CAR describe “legal and humanitarian limbo,” with no documents or clear path forward, and fears of abuse. AFCON Qualifiers (CAR in Morocco): CAR’s AFCON 2027 qualifier vs Burkina Faso is set for Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca due to lack of CAF-approved stadiums at home. Ebola Risk List: Africa CDC flags CAR among 10 African countries at risk as DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak expands, urging stronger surveillance and preparedness at points of entry.

ICC Accountability: The International Criminal Court convicted a former Seleka militia leader in the Central African Republic for crimes committed during the conflict, adding to a growing body of CAR-related rulings. Deportations & CAR Humanitarian Fallout: Multiple reports describe U.S. “third-country” deportations sending migrants to the Central African Republic, with detainees alleging legal limbo, lack of documents, and harsh conditions—while U.S. courts and the Trump administration clash over whether deportees must get a meaningful chance to contest harms. Ebola Risk for CAR: Africa CDC warned that the Central African Republic is among 10 African countries at risk as the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak expands, urging stronger surveillance and preparedness at borders. Regional Politics at the UN: During Netanyahu’s UNGA address, delegations including CAR representatives walked out amid international backlash over Gaza, underscoring CAR’s exposure to wider diplomatic pressures. CAR in the AFCON Qualifiers: In opening-round results, Mauritania beat CAR 3-1, shaping early Group dynamics as the 2027 AFCON race continues. CEMAC Money Markets: BEAC raised weekly liquidity to commercial banks to a record CFA850 billion, with CAR among the member states benefiting from the central bank’s funding push.

ICC Accountability in CAR: The International Criminal Court convicted former Seleka militia leader Mahamat Said Abdel Kani for crimes against humanity tied to the Central African Republic conflict, with sentencing details to follow in related proceedings. US Deportations to CAR: US courts and the Trump administration are locked in a legal fight over “third-country” deportations; migrants sent to the Central African Republic describe detention, beatings, and “legal limbo,” while the US Supreme Court is asked to keep removals moving. Ebola Risk Spills Across Borders: Africa CDC warned 10 countries—including the Central African Republic—are at risk as DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak expands; WHO also reported new DRC health zones near CAR and South Sudan. Regional Finance Watch: BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion after strong bank demand across CEMAC, affecting CAR’s banking conditions. AFCON Qualifiers Context: CAR’s opening qualifier result (a 1-3 loss to Mauritania) adds pressure as the 2027 race continues toward Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.