Berengo

Berengo – is a former palace of emperor Bokassa in the Central African Republic province of Lobaye, currently serving as a base where Russian forces from Wagner Group train Central African soldiers.

Berengo
Central African forces training in Berengo base
General information
TypeMilitary base
LocationLobaye, Central African Republic
Coordinates4.04402°N 18.12262°E / 4.04402; 18.12262
Completed1977

History

On 4 December 1977 Berengo palace became official residence of emperor Jean-Bédel Bokassa.[1] There he built an airport, separate residences for himself and his wife, Empress Catherine, individual apartments for his advisors, and lodgings for the ministers.[2] On 20 September 1979 French forces seized Berengo during Operation Barracuda. Following his death Bokassa was buried in Berengo.[3]

On 2 April 2013 around 2,000 Séléka militiamen entered Berengo. They created training center there. In December 2013 all officers and instructors were forced to flee due to Anti-balaka offensive. A few hundred Christian Séléka fighters were left besieged there, with wooden weapons and forced to hunt for food.[4] They were eventually brought to Bangui by Anti-balaka general Alfred Yekatom.[5]

On 24 March 2018 presence of Russian instructors were reported in Berengo, according to satellite photos, they first appeared on 22 January 2018.[6] They started training FACA soldiers in the base.[7] First training was completed on 31 March with 200 soldiers and Presidential Guards.[8] This was done despite the Bokassa's family claiming ownership of the palace.[9]

References

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