Russia – Central African Republic 2024 Relations and Trade: Update

The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has held a phone call with Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the President of the Central African Republic. The two discussed the current state and prospects for the further development of Russia-Central African Republic (CAR) bilateral relations in the political, trade, economic, humanitarian and other spheres.

They exchanged views on regional issues, focusing on countering terrorist threats and ensuring stability throughout the Central African Republic. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to further assisting the CAR in strengthening the nation’s economy, sovereignty and security.

Russia expects to continue fruitful cooperation with the CAR in the military sector following the UN Security Council’s decision to lift the arms embargo on the country. Moscow is Bangui’s main partner in this field, with the CAR involved in an on-going civil war between Christian and Islamic factions. Russia’s Wagner Group have supported President Faustin-Archange Touadéra in the war, who are also supported by the Rwandan military.

Due to the war, the Central African Republic is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world, although it has significant mineral deposits and other resources, such as uranium reserves, crude oil, gold, diamonds, cobalt, lumber, and hydropower, as well as significant quantities of arable land. It has a population of 5.7 million and a GDP of about US$6 billion.

Bilateral trade in non-military items is currently running at about US$1 million, with Russia importing mainly fruits, vegetables and related products, and the CAR importing mineral oils and grain.