The Central African Republic and France have agreed upon a roadmap to enhance bilateral cooperation, seeking to mend strained ties.
This agreement follows a meeting held in Paris on Wednesday between CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera and French President Emmanuel Macron.
President Touadera’s visit to France, his second in over six months, signifies increasing efforts from both nations to improve relations.
These ties had been strained when the CAR government began heavily relying on military and political support from Russia.
Although the specifics of the agreement are yet to be fully disclosed, the roadmap aims to establish a constructive partnership framework that upholds the state’s sovereignty, as stated in a joint announcement by both countries.
Additionally, it aims to contribute to stability, foster national unity, and promote the economic and social progress of the CAR.
Despite France’s condemnation of alleged human rights violations by the Russian paramilitary group Wagner in its former colony, French influence in the CAR has diminished.
This cooperation opportunity might offer France a chance to repair its reputation in the CAR, where anti-French sentiments have grown in recent years.