Central African Republic appeals to Russia for energy expertise

Russia growing security role in parts of Africa is viewed with concern by the West and has come at the expense of France and the United States. Russia Africa Corps, a paramilitary force that succeeded the former Wagner mercenary group, is active in several countries including Mali, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic.

Touadera also thanked Putin for donating Russian grain and fuel, and said the Central African Republic was looking for further support.

“Today, the Central African Republic faces a major challenge in the field of energy, and the Russian Federation has a great deal of expertise in these matters,” he said at the start of their meeting.

Putin said the two countries had good prospects to strengthen their ties in energy, agriculture and infrastructure.

Russia is working to increase its influence and economic ties in Africa as part of a wider strategy to strengthen relationships with developing countries following its rupture with most of the West because of the war in Ukraine.

Touadera won the December vote in the chronically unstable Central African Republic after campaigning on his security record and enlisting help from Rwandan soldiers as well as Russia. The main opposition coalition boycotted the vote, saying it would be unfair.

This meeting shows the growing partnership between the Central African Republic and Russia now extending into energy expertise.