22.2 C
Accra
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
WorldNew film shines light on Russian military contractors in CAR

Date:

New film shines light on Russian military contractors in CAR

Thousands of people flocked Bangui’s main stadium to attend the premiere of a Russian-Central African production.

The “Tourist” focuses on the role of military contractors dispatched by Moscow to train Bangui’s security forces – in pacifying the country torn apart by years of fighting.

“I must tell you that during the work of the Russian inspectors, they were able to train the Central African Army very well. They displayed their combat capability,” said Alexandre Ivanov who represented the head of the instructors at the event.

President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s government largely relies on Russian fighters and a 12,000 strong UN peacekeeping force for protection from dozens of armed groups that roam the vast country.

Russian influence in CAR

The film is a further sign of the deepening ties between Russia and the Central African Republic, which have become the envy of former colonial ruler France.

In 2020, Facebook said it had removed hundreds of French and Russian accounts it accused of running disinformation campaigns in the African country.

In 2017, Russia secured an exemption from the United Nations, despite an existing arms embargo, to deliver weapons to the CAR.

President Touadera had argued successfully that the arms were denied to protect civilians.

In July 2018, President Vladimir Putin sent the first Russian military advisers and mercenaries to Bangui to train Central African soldiers and protect top government officials.

The events have jolted Paris which is concerned about its waning influence in the troubled country.

Source: africanews.com

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

“Don’t make me and Stonebwoy fight ooo”- Samini warn netizens

Veteran dancehall musician, Samini has warned netizens to resist...

Kanye West’s Heil Hitler song bans him from entering Australia

US rapper Kanye West has been banned from entering...

Agradaa describes moment shared with President Mahama heavenly – Agradaa

Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa, shared a...

Dada Joe Remix extradited to face romance scam charges in USA

Ghana’s nightlife mogul and alleged crypto kingpin, Nana Kojo...

Govt launches 24-Hour Economy policy today

The government's flagship, 24-Hour Economy Policy, will be launched...

GRA sets July 16 for GHS1 fuel levy implementation

The implementation of the new GHS1 Energy Sector Shortfall...

Related stories

US travel ban against Togo, Libya, others takes effect today

Effective today, Monday, June 9, nationals of twelve countries...

Pakistan: Police in search of over 200 inmates following earth tremor

Over 200 inmates are currently on the run after...

Pope Leo XIV shares canonical acceptance

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has officially accepted his election...

Profile of the new Pope – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

"Peace be with all of you!" - the first...

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost named as the 267th Pope, takes the name Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the...

Black smoke signals end of first day of conclave to elect new pope

A thick column of black smoke rising from the...

Siemens exec and his family involved in fatal Hudson helicopter crash

Tragedy struck New York City on Thursday when a...