Central African Republic and Russia strengthen political ties

 The United Hearts Movement (MCU), the ruling party of Central African President Faus­tin-Archange Touadéra, has entered into a cooperation agreement with United Russia, the political party of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The agreement, signed remotely on Monday, symbolises the growing part­nership between Bangui and Moscow.

President Touadéra had just re­turned from a three-day official visit to Russia when the announcement was made.

From Moscow, Andrei Klimov, a senior member of United Russia and a Russian senator under Western sanc­tions for his support of the Ukraine invasion, represented the Russian side.

In Bangui, Simplice Mathieu Sarandji, a longtime ally of Presi­dent Touadéra, served as the Central African representative. Sarandji, who is also the president of the National Assembly and the MCU’s executive secretary, signed the document with a ceremonial scarf featuring the president’s image draped over his shoulders.

Russian officials, in­cluding Am­bassa­dor Alex­andre Bikantov, Consul Vla­dislav Ilin, and Dimitri Sityi, director of the Rus­sian House in Bangui, witnessed the signing. Sityi is a key figure in Wagner Group’s local operations, overseeing economic and informational activities.

The Russian Embassy described the agreement as a step toward “new horizons” in cooperation which aims to deepen ties between the two parties through joint projects and legislative exchanges.

The timing of the agreement is significant. It follows President Touadéra’s Moscow visit and coin­cides with the early mobilization of his political supporters ahead of the presidential election scheduled for the end of the year.

Meanwhile, critics of the govern­ment have raised concerns about the implications of the deal. Oppo­sition leader Crépin Mboli-Goumba expressed alarm, stating, “The MCU wants to mimic United Russia— sprawling, oppressive, blending with state institutions and the judiciary, and silencing any dissent.”

This partnership highlights the increasing­ly close relationship between the Central African Republic and Russia, raising questions about its impact on the coun­try’s political landscape and sover­eignty.

— RE­UTERs

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