The president of the Central African Republic (CAR), Faustin-Archange Touadera, has embarked on a three-day visit to Moscow for talks that will foster his country’s relationship with Russia, according to the Kremlin.
- President of CAR visiting Moscow for talks with Russia
- CAR was the French colony of Ubangi-Shari until it became independent in 1960
- Touadera is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow
Russia has established strong ties with the French colony for years, providing military support to help Touadera’s government in its fight against various rebel factions. CAR was the French colony of Ubangi-Shari until it became an independent nation on 13 August 1960.
As part of his visit to Moscow, Touadera is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, according to the Kremlin. The two leaders will discuss the need for improving bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the Kremlin stated without providing further specific details.
In recent years, Russia has become the security partner of choice for a growing number of African nations, displacing traditional allies like France and the United States.
Moscow has aggressively expanded its influence in the continent by offering military cooperation with African nations and providing private security companies with Russian mercenaries to protect African leaders helping states fight extremists.
The CAR is among the world’s poorest and most fragile countries according to World Bank. In the last decade, the small nation with a population of 4.2 million people has experienced violence and instability, including six coups. Since 2018, fighters from Russia’s Wagner group have been supporting the government forces and training many local soldiers.
Following the death of the former leader of the Wagner group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a bronze statue was unveiled in his honour in the capital city, Bangui.
The event attracted attention and also highlighted the growing relationship between Russia and the Central African Republic.
