Russia To Develop ‘Russia House’ Educational Facility In Central African Republic

A delegation from Russia’s Ministry of Education has paid an official visit to the Central African Republic (CAR), visiting a site in the capital, Bangui, where a ‘Russian House’ joint academic centre will be built, according to Usman Rassukhanov, the director of the Ministry’s Department for the Integration of the National Education System and International Cooperation.

Rassukhanov met with Aurelien Simplis Kongbele-Zingas, the CAR’s Minister of State for National Education, and discussed major aspects of cooperation, particularly the implementation of the ‘Russian Teacher Abroad’ project, which promotes Russian language.

Steps to introduce Russian educational standards into the curricula of schools in the CAR, including the integration of modern Russian teaching methods, were discussed by the two Ministers, who emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in education, which will not only open up new opportunities for students and teachers in the CAR, but will also become another step in the development of humanitarian ties between the two countries.

The Central African Republic is a former French colony, and one of sixteen African countries that have signed agreements with the Russian Federal agency for international cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo). These Russia House projects focus on providing scholarships for African students to study in Russia based on the popularity of the Russian language and preparatory classes in their own countries.

CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera called relations between Russia and his country a “model for all of Africa” during talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow in January. Russia has donated grain and fuel, as well as supporting the lifting of a diamond export embargo on the CAR. Both leaders agreed to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as politics, economics, and humanitarian assistance.

Apart from education, agriculture, and humanitarian partnership, Moscow has defense agreements with the CAR, which has endured decades of militant violence and political instability, including six coups, since gaining independence from France in 1960. Russia is also in discussions to help stabilise the CAR by building a military regional base in the CAR.