The Central African Republic (CAR) is caught between two Russian mercenary forces — the long-established Wagner Group and the Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps.

Russia’s Defense Ministry wants CAR to replace Wagner with Africa Corps and pay for its services, but Bangui says it cannot afford it, offering gold, uranium, and iron instead. CAR officials prefer Wagner, praising its combat effectiveness and loyalty to President Faustin Archange Touadéra, despite its record of human rights abuses.

The Africa Corps, made up of Russian soldiers and ex-Wagner fighters, focuses more on training and resource deals than combat. Analysts say the Kremlin’s push reflects a broader geopolitical strategy to expand influence in Africa amid the Ukraine war, using low-cost operations to gain access to minerals and political leverage.

However, CAR’s resistance could strain ties with Moscow. The situation underscores a wider issue across Africa — governments relying on foreign forces for stability at the expense of national sovereignty.
APF

“I’m Not Sure I’ll Make Heaven, But I’ve Made Life Better for Many” — Trump Speaks on Salvation and Global Conflicts


Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again expressed concern about his eternal destiny, admitting he is unsure of making it to heaven despite his belief that he has made life better for many people.

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump told reporters that he does not feel confident about his salvation.

“I’m not sure I’m going to be able to make heaven, but I’ve made life a lot better for a lot of people,” he said. “I think I’m not heaven-bound.”


Trump also claimed that the Russia-Ukraine war could have been avoided if the 2020 U.S. presidential election had not been “rigged.”

“Millions of people are dead because of a crooked election,” he said, accusing his successor and the previous administration of incompetence.


The former president further criticized the current government for its handling of the Israel-Gaza crisis, saying the conflict became harder to resolve under the Democrat-led administration.

In August, Trump had also revealed his desire to secure global peace deals during a potential second term — a move he said could help him “make heaven.”

During a Fox & Friends phone interview, he lamented the devastating impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and stressed the need for a permanent ceasefire to save lives.

“I want to try to get to heaven if possible… I’m hearing that I’m not doing well,” Trump had said, hinting at his hope for divine approval through his peace efforts.


While Trump’s remarks continue to stir mixed reactions globally, they reflect his ongoing attempts to balance his political ambitions with his personal reflections on faith and morality.

Nigeria Risks Energy, Trade Instability in Russia-Ukraine War – Prof Akinyemi

Former External Affairs Minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has warned that Nigeria could face energy and trade disruptions if it gets entangled in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Speaking on Channels Television, Akinyemi said global power play between the US, Russia, and Europe will affect oil markets, tariffs, and trade flows, with direct consequences for Nigeria’s economy.

He advised African nations to avoid being pawns in conflicts between global powers, stressing that Nigeria must narrowly define its national interests to safeguard stability.

According to him, while Russia seeks to reassert Soviet-era influence, Nigeria should focus on energy security, trade resilience, and non-alignment in global rivalries.

#NigeriaEconomy #RussiaUkraineWar #EnergySecurity #GlobalPolitics

President Donald Trump lands in Alaska ahead of talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin on Ukraine war.

Trump Distances Himself From Russia-Ukraine War, Blames Biden

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is “Biden’s war,” not his, as he seeks to distance his administration from the costly and deadly conflict.

In a Friday post on Truth Social, Trump said he is focused solely on trying to end the war, calling it “unnecessary” and decrying the death toll. He claimed Russia lost 112,500 soldiers this year alone, with nearly 20,000 killed in July. Ukraine, he said, lost approximately 8,000 troops since January 1, not including the missing.

“This is a war that should have never happened — This is Biden’s War, not TRUMP’s,” he wrote, adding, “I’m just here to see if I can stop it!”

The remarks follow deadly missile strikes on Kyiv and other cities that left at least 31 civilians dead and 159 injured, intensifying regional tensions.

In a separate escalation, Trump ordered two U.S. nuclear submarines to be repositioned in response to provocative remarks from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who mocked Trump’s criticism of Russia and defended Moscow’s military actions.

Trump described Medvedev’s statements as “highly provocative” and warned of the dangers of inflammatory rhetoric, stating, “Words can lead to unintended consequences.”

#TrumpOnUkraine #RussiaUkraineWar #BidenWarClaims #USRussiaTensions

Trump Deploys Nuclear Submarines Amid Rising Tensions With Russia

August 1, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines amid an intensifying war of words with Russian official Dmitry Medvedev, escalating tensions over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Trump made the announcement via Truth Social, saying the move was a response to Medvedev’s “provocative statements” and stressing that “words are very important and can lead to unintended consequences.”

He warned Russia to end the Ukraine war by next week or face fresh, unspecified sanctions.

The nuclear posturing comes amid a deadly surge in Russian drone and missile attacks. A recent strike on Kyiv killed 31 civilians, including five children, prompting a day of mourning in the Ukrainian capital.

Medvedev, Russia’s deputy security council chairman, had mocked Trump’s sanctions threat and referenced the “Dead Hand” — a Cold War-era Russian nuclear control system.

Trump fired back, calling Medvedev a “failed former president” and warned him to “watch his words.”

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin insists his conditions for ending the war — including Ukraine giving up territory and dropping NATO ambitions — remain unchanged.

#TrumpRussiaTensions #UkraineWar #NuclearSubmarines #GlobalSecurity