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First visit by a senior French official in seven years comes amid growing Russian influence in the country.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has arrived in the Central African Republic, marking the first high-level French visit in seven years. He was received by his Central African counterpart Sylvie Notefe, as Paris seeks to rebuild diplomatic relations with Bangui.
The visit follows the resumption of dialogue in April 2024 between French President Emmanuel Macron and CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, signaling a gradual normalization of relations after years of tensions.
Barrot is also expected to meet President Touadéra, who recently returned from a week-long visit to Moscow, where he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In recent years, the Central African Republic has increasingly relied on Russian Wagner Group mercenaries for security assistance. In exchange, the group has reportedly secured profitable contracts in the country’s gold, diamond and forestry industries, reflecting intensifying geopolitical competition for influence in the region.
Source: Newstimehub
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