Head of Russia’s cultural centre in Central African Republic heavily wounded after package of unknown origin explodes

An attempt on the life of Dmitry Syty, the head of the “Russian house” cultural centre was made in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, TASS cites a representative of the Russian embassy.

Syty received a package from an unknown sender which exploded after it had been opened. The head of the centre was heavily wounded and admitted to hospital.

It is noted that Syty is in critical but not life threatening condition. “The doctors diagnosed him with concussion and blood loss,” the embassy says.

The embassy’s security was tightened after the incident; the cultural centre is located across the road from it. Russia’s mission to the country considers the attack to be an attempt on life.

TASS cites the AL Maydeen TV channel and says the Central African police is treating the incident as a terrorist attack.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of PMC Wagner, a mercenary group, says Syty received threats before.

“On 11 November, Syty received a package from Togo with a photo of his son who lives in France. There was also a note that said that the next time Syty would receive a package with his son’s head inside it if ‘Russians do not leave Africa and open up the doors for the French,” says Prigozhin’s PR office.