France has just granted 24 million euros to the Central African Republic. This aid, which will be followed by a delivery of arms, is intended to pay back the salaries of the administration and, above all, to counteract the growing influence of Russia in the old Oubangui Chari.
France wishes to continue its historic partnership with the Central African Republic, “Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced in Bangui on 1 November 2018, on the sidelines of a 24-hour express visit. A quick visit that will have been used to measure the loss of real influence of Paris both in the security aspect and in the peace talks with the former Seleka rebellion.
Sign of this loss of influence, the red line between Bangui and Moscow. The security of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra is assured by Russia, whose special adviser on the subject comes from Russia, Valeri Zakharov, a man with everything, from military training to peace negotiations, diplomacy, personal security of the strongman of the country. This foray into what is still perceived as the French pre-square is variously appreciated in Paris, Brussels and New York. Problem, Russia fits in the legality.
In December 2017, Moscow obtained from the UN Security Council an exemption agreement to the embargo on the delivery of weapons to the Central African Republic, associated with the arrival of 175 Russian trainers. According to reports, the number of Russian military experts has increased to 1,400.
Since 2013, almost the entire Central African territory has been under the control of armed groups. , in a country of 4.5 million inhabitants ranked among the poorest in the world but rich in diamonds, gold and uranium. Despite the presence of the UN contingent, the 12,000-strong MINUSMA fails to restore peace in a country where 75% of the territory escapes the state.
