Sudanese traders have accused Russian personnel and government forces in the Central African Republic (CAR) of assaulting civilians and stealing large quantities of gold and cash during a raid on a mining market near the Sudanese border.
The alleged attack occurred on Sunday at the Sanguilo gold-mining market, where hundreds of Sudanese traders and miners operate, according to local Sudanese media.
Mohamed Jibril, a trader who spoke to Darfur24, said a joint force of Russian personnel and Central African government troops stormed the market and began beating traders with weapons and sticks, triggering panic among those present.
Jibril alleged that one Sudanese trader was struck on the head with a weapon and subsequently denied medical assistance until the forces had withdrawn. The injured man was later transported to hospital.
He said the personnel also seized mobile phones, cash and gold from several shops.
According to Jibril, one trader identified as Bahr lost approximately 22 million CFA francs and two kilogrammes of gold during the raid. Other traders reported losing money and merchandise.
Another Sudanese trader, identified as Al-Naeem, accused local authorities of failing to protect foreign merchants and of using Russian forces to enforce disputed financial demands.
He said traders faced increasingly difficult conditions, including compulsory payments imposed by local officials and armed groups operating in the mining areas.
Al-Naeem alleged that Russian personnel were regularly called in when traders challenged these demands, while local authorities failed to intervene.
The allegations could not be independently verified, and no response from Russian or Central African authorities was immediately available in the reporting.
Hundreds of Sudanese nationals are involved in artisanal gold mining and associated commercial activities across the Central African Republic, particularly around Sanguilo, Ndile and Um Dafuq near the Sudanese border.
Central African government forces, supported by Russian security personnel historically associated with the Wagner Group, maintain a significant presence in several mining regions.
Human rights organisations have previously accused Russian-backed forces and their local allies of abuses against civilians, including unlawful killings, arbitrary detention, physical assaults and looting.
Sudanese traders operating in the border region have repeatedly reported harassment, excessive taxation and insecurity, raising concerns about the protection of foreign workers and merchants involved in the country’s gold trade.
