Intense gunfire erupted in the heart of Zemio this evening, marking a sudden and violent escalation between Centrafrican Armed Forces (FACA) troops and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group.

Unprecedented confrontation in southern Central Africa

The normally quiet streets of Zemio in the Haut-Mbomou region became a battlefield late Wednesday, as tensions between national forces and their Russian allies reached a boiling point. Witnesses reported heavy artillery and small arms fire raging for nearly an hour, leaving residents trapped in their homes.

Local authorities confirm that at least one civilian—a woman—was killed by stray bullets during the crossfire. Two FACA soldiers were also seriously injured in the confrontation, according to preliminary reports.

A deteriorating security landscape

This violent incident follows months of growing friction between the two armed groups, who have been operating side by side in the region since early 2025. What began as uneasy cooperation has now spiraled into open hostility, further destabilizing an already fragile security environment.

The situation remains tense, with sporadic clashes still possible. Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of the outbreak or the full extent of the violence.

What happens next?

As night falls over Zemio, the future remains uncertain. Will de-escalation efforts succeed, or will this confrontation mark the beginning of a new phase of conflict in Central Africa? Updates are expected in the coming hours as the situation develops.