In the heart of chilly Moscow, the red carpet was unfurled and tension barely hung in the air as Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadéra touched down for high-profile talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting in the Kremlin, dated January 16, signaled more than just a cordial tête-à-tête; it was the opening act of Russia’s strategy to deepen its foothold in Africa for years to come.
Nestled bang in the middle of Africa, the CAR may not be the most obvious of places for Moscow to make new friends. But with Putin rolling out the welcome mat, one can’t help but wonder: is this a savvy geopolitical move by the Kremlin to exert its influence beyond CAR’s borders and into the heart of central and southern Africa?
Well, let’s break it down, shall we?
The Security Puzzle
The Russia-CAR relationship is like a dynamic dance—strong and steady, yet ever-evolving. This duo has had quite the journey, with serious emphasis on ramping up security cooperation to fend off persistent threats from political rebels and Islamist insurgencies. Since 2017, security has been the headline act. Russian instructors are rumored to number around 2,500, working day and night to ensure peace reigns in CAR.
Military-technical cooperation is no mere buzzword here; it’s a full-fledged affair. Russia ships in military gear, trains CAR’s military personnel in its own institutions, and hey, there’s talk of setting up a permanent military base there. In return? Russia gets a sneak peek and access into CAR’s natural resource treasure trove. It’s a tit-for-tat of colossal proportions.
Analysts are eagerly watching to see if a permanent Russian military presence solidifies here. A large swath of CAR’s population of around 5.6 million remains caught in the harsh grip of poverty despite its natural wealth. Yet, there’s a glimmer of stability, a relative calm brought about by Russia’s unsubtle hand, often delivered via private mercenary forces now rebranded as the "African Corps."
Summits and Signatures
Fast-forward through the annals of diplomacy to various Russia-Africa summits, the first in 2019 and the most recent in 2023. CAR has inked deals spanning politics, security, trade, and humanitarian fields. With each signature, the Indo-Russo camaraderie only tightens. You could say Russia and CAR are dancing cheek to cheek these days.
Trade Winds and Economic Ties
Numbers make heads spin – especially the claims of CAR-Russia trade skyrocketing eightfold by 2024, though the data to back this up seems to be hiding. In 2021, trade flirted around the $5.9 million mark, and by 2024, estimates hovered near $4 million. Russia finds itself indulging in CAR’s fresh produce while CAR fills its import basket with Russian oils and grains. It’s a trade partnership as low-key as a hipster coffee shop, but with significant room to grow once it’s given the right legal structure.
What Russia truly has its eye on, however, are the glistening prospects of CAR’s gold, oil, uranium, and diamond reserves. And in the opposite corner, CAR is swooning over Russian technology, vehicles, and machinery. Oh, and their appetite for ensuring food security through Russian grains? Bigger than a bear hug.
Field of Dreams
For President Touadéra, more Russian investment is the dream ticket—particularly in agriculture and mining. CAR is blessed with vast tracts of arable land just begging for expertise and equipment. President Touadéra has his sights set on diversifying beyond peanuts and cotton, hoping to leverage Russian tech to sweeten the prospects and perhaps make sugar the new staple.
Grains and Gratefulness
The 2023-2024 period saw Putin’s benevolent side as Russia showered CAR with grain as part of humanitarian aid. Putin, amidst the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, promised more, ensuring CAR was left neither hungry nor wanting. By January 2024, an ambassador’s announcement revealed 50,000 tons of food had already made their way to CAR from Russian shores, a testament to promises kept.
Fuel woes were also addressed, with 30,000 tons of diesel shipped in January 2025, under the watchful eye of a signed memorandum promising further cooperation in this area.
A Promising Partnership?
Critics might raise an eyebrow—or three—at Russia’s maneuverings, suspecting ulterior motives filtered through the fine print of bilateral agreements. Nonetheless, Russia and CAR are like dance partners syncing to a promising tune. The future holds potential, with Russia eyeing opportunities to amplify security and economic collaboration, and CAR savoring tangible benefits from this blossoming relationship. Faustin-Archange Touadéra himself doesn’t shy away from voicing appreciation, noting the genuine cooperation and pragmatic partnership in place.
The CAR, rich in geography and resources, may yet shrug off the epithet of "one of the world’s poorest countries" with a little help from friends—or is it a dance partner—they rarely knew before. Central Africa’s prized but turbulent gem lies bordered by countries like Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, cradling a complex geopolitical narrative where anything is possible.
Written by Kester Kenn Klomegah. Report By Axadle.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
