Violent confrontations shook the heart of Zémio on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as Central African Armed Forces (FACA) soldiers engaged directly with their Russian mercenary allies from the Wagner Group.

The security landscape in the southeastern Central African Republic has once again taken a dramatic turn. On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, around 7:50 PM, a sudden and unexpected breach of alliance occurred within Zémio’s downtown area. Forces from the FACA and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries opened fire on each other, transforming their established positions into active front lines in an instant. The deafening sounds of heavy and light weaponry echoed through the locality, plunging its residents into profound fear and uncertainty.

These recent hostilities are the culmination of increasingly strained relations and mounting friction within the Haut-Mbomou region. Since the beginning of 2025, the cohabitation between national forces and their Russian counterparts has steadily deteriorated, leading to this evening’s open combat in the heart of the city. This alarming development significantly complicates the regional security situation. While a fragile calm has now settled over the area, the future trajectory of events remains entirely unclear and deeply concerning.

A preliminary assessment of the situation indicates a tragic toll on the civilian population: one woman was killed, likely a victim of a stray bullet during the intense exchange of fire. Among the military personnel, two FACA soldiers sustained serious injuries during the assault. Further comprehensive details and ongoing developments will be closely monitored and reported.