Russia contributed to restoration of peace in CAR – president

Instructors sent by Moscow have played “a key role” in improving the security situation and training troops, Faustin-Archange Touadera told RT

Russian instructors have played a key role in improving security and stabilizing the Central African Republic (CAR), the country’s president, Faustin-Archange Touadera, has said. 

Speaking to RT, he noted that cooperation with Moscow has helped to achieve an agreement to disarm armed groups and strengthen the country’s defense forces.

“The Russian instructors have helped us a lot, and they have contributed to the restoration of peace,” Touadera told RT.

The president explained that Russian instructors were also instrumental in training personnel and expanding the armed forces, which grew from around 5,000-6,000 soldiers to 25,000-26,000 across the country. 

“The buildup of troops in the state with the support of Russian instructors made a significant contribution to improving the situation. They played a key role in this,” he highlighted.

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The president said that the security agreement with Moscow had proved to be “the right choice,” adding that Russia “consistently supports the CAR in its struggle and in matters of protecting its sovereignty.”

Touadera also described the broader partnership between Bangui and Moscow, noting that Russia helped lift the embargo on arms supplies and diamonds, provided grants in petroleum products, and delivered humanitarian aid such as wheat, which helped lower bread prices nationally. He also noted that many CAR citizens now study in Russia in both military and civilian fields. 

In addition, the president criticized international media reporting on the country. “The international press is filled with lies about the CAR,” he stated, saying some outlets go to “great lengths to slander” the African country.  “The purpose is unknown, but we are fighting for the truth to prevail,” he said.

Touadera noted that RT “helps convey accurate information to viewers,” saying that the channel’s reporting allows audiences to see the true situation in the country.

READ MORE: Russia and Central African Republic reaffirm close partnership

Diplomatic ties between Russia and the CAR were established in 1992, while diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and the CAR were first established in 1960 – the same year the African state gained independence from France. Relations developed further in later years, including military and political cooperation. The CAR maintains an embassy in Moscow, while Russia operates a diplomatic mission in Bangui.