Kenya’s Ruto First Trip to CAR Offers ‘Good Prospects’ for Bilateral Relations Development: Touadera

Over the last weekend, Kenya’s President William Ruto traveled to the CAR for the first time, where he held talks with the CAR’s President Faustin Archange Touadera, during which he expressed hope that this trip marked the beginning of a rapprochement and the development of a mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.

“This inaugural visit opens a big door for us to explore the possibilities that exist between Kenya and the Central African Republic,” Ruto said, as cited by the media.

He especially noted the sphere of agriculture, where the nations have "huge potential."

“[...] We have huge potential in agriculture, and [...] we are going to work with our farmers, bring agricultural experts to work with your people here, for technology transfer,” he reportedly added.

Ruto also pointed out friendly relations that already exist between the countries while reminding that the CAR is Kenya's partner in the fight against terrorism.

“Kenya and the Central African Republic have strong and cordial diplomatic and bilateral relations. Our two countries are also working closely together in the fight against terrorism and insecurity,” his post on X read.

As for Touadera, he expressed his gratitude to Ruto for coming to his country and agreed that this visit marks a new chapter in bilateral relations.

“It is a real honor for the Central African Republic and opens up good prospects for cooperation between our two countries. I think this is the first time that a Kenyan president has visited the CAR, and I don't think it will be the last,” he was quoted as saying.

The Kenyan leader, in turn, praised Touadera's efforts to achieve a gradual restoration of peace in the nation that has been affected by conflict since 2013, when a coup happened, followed by clashes between Muslim-majority Seleka and Christian Anti-Balaka fighters.

“Under your leadership, we have seen stability, we have seen peace, and we are witnessing progress. And for that, your excellency, on behalf of the people of our region, I want to say congratulations, and you have my support,” Ruto told his counterpart.

Lastly, Kenya is also anticipated to play a significant role in the energy transition of the CAR, according to the report.

Aside from that, in his post on X, Ruto mentioned the development of relations with another Central African country — Equatorial Guinea. He stated that bilateral relations are "cordial" and will "deepen as Equatorial Guinea is set to open an embassy in Nairobi."

Equatorial Guinea also announced its intention to back Kenya's candidacy for the position of chairperson of the African Union Commission from 2025 to 2028, he added.

Last July, the Kenyan presidency made an announcement stating that Kenya, together with the Republic of Congo and the CAR, will collaborate in combating terrorism and insecurity in Africa.

The leaders of the three countries also pledged to strengthen bilateral relations and promote trade within Africa, according to the statement.

President Ruto expressed a strong interest in exploring new trade opportunities for the benefit of the people.