CAR, Russia Discussing New Defense Contracts, CAR Prime Minister Says

Russia and the Central African Republic are discussing new contracts to develop defense industry cooperation between the two countries, CAR Prime Minister Felix Moloua told Sputnik.

"Discussions on this topic have advanced. I am not aware of the details, but I am sure that the defense minister responsible for this topic will probably tell you more. I know that such discussions are taking place," Moloua said.

Speaking about the Russia-CAR cooperation in other fields, Moloua said that his country is urging Russian financiers to invest in the development of the country’s animal husbandry and agriculture, which will allow the CAR economy to develop.

"We are going to work hard to improve the business environment, promote investors within the country and attract them from abroad, so I urge Russian investors to come and help us change for the better, create jobs for young people," Moloua stressed.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Russia Handed 50,000 Tonnes of Wheat to CAR as Humanitarian Aid, Embassy States

16 March, 09:05

The prime minister noted that animal husbandry and agriculture are the industries that can give an impetus to the development of the country's economy.

In October 2022, CAR's National Assembly President Simplice Sarandji told Sputnik that Moscow and Bangui need to improve their economic partnership, as the republic needs investment in the real economy and is ready to cooperate with Russia in the export of resources, agriculture and trade.

Moloua also revealed that the first meeting of the Russian-Central African joint development committee will be held in Moscow, with the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Russia and CAR have agreed to establish a joint development committee through bilateral contacts, the prime minister specified.

"I have spoken with a representative from the [Russian] Foreign Ministry who conveyed greetings to our Foreign Minister [Sylvie Baipo-Temon], and the person informed me that Minister Lavrov is waiting for this [the first committee meeting] here," Moloua said.

CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera should consider what measures can be taken to ensure that the committee formation process takes place as soon as possible, the prime minister added.

"I believe this [first committee meeting] will be an opportunity to discuss with the Russian foreign minister how we can move forward to concrete actions as soon as possible," Moloua said.

The prime minister added that CAR is interested in Russia's energy industry experience and would like to adopt it.

"There are also issues pertaining to the energy industry. Russia has experience in this area, and we would like it to be available to us," Moloua said.

The CAR is generally guided by its five-year development program, he also said, adding that Russia had requested a copy of the document to develop a comprehensive framework for a dialogue between the two nations.

In January, the Russian ambassador to the CAR told Sputnik that the parties were negotiating the delivery of 30,000 tonnes of Russian fuel to Bangui. On Monday, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk and Moloua also discussed trade, economic, energy and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, the Russian government said.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Central African Republic Asked Russia to Provide Security During Referendum, Ambassador Says

27 August 2023, 13:34

Moloua also stressed that his country does not object to increasing the number of Russian military instructors if necessary, as they have made a significant contribution to restoring peace in the country.

"I take this opportunity to thank the [Russian] authorities, who, through Russian instructors, have worked tirelessly together alongside our defense and security forces. These efforts have now allowed for the restoration of peace ... Since we will have a joint committee, military matters will also be discussed. So if the need arises, why not [increase the Russian military presence]," Moloua said.

Gangs still remain on the borders of CAR, but there is no denying that Russian instructors have proven effective, the prime minister added.

"Today, there is a general agreement that the involvement of these instructors has been crucial in strengthening our defense and security forces. Obviously, there are other allies who have also contributed, but I assure you that I have personally witnessed the tremendous work that the Russians have done," Moloua said.

Sub-Saharan Africa

CAR Rejects Macron's Demand to Withdraw Russian Instructors: Media Reports

17 September 2023, 09:04

CAR was plunged into a security crisis by a coup in 2013, followed by violence between Muslim-majority Seleka and Christian Anti-Balaka fighters. In February 2019, CAR President and leaders of 14 rebel groups signed a peace agreement, consenting to an inclusive general election in a bid to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. However, the country saw another outburst of violence over the results of the 2020 presidential election, when Touadera’s opponents accused him of electoral fraud.

In early 2018, Russia sent its first military instructors to CAR at the request of the government. As of February 2022, a total of 1,135 Russian instructors have been operating in the country, training military personnel of CAR army. Moscow has stressed that Russian representatives are not involved in hostilities and were deployed in CAR with the notification of the UN Security Council.

In early February this year, CAR army aided by Russian forces repelled an attack launched by Sudanese militants on a mining site near the village of Mamoun in the country's north. The leader of the Coalition of Patriots for Change rebel group, Mohamed Ali, also known as B13, was killed in the clash.