On an official trip between Cuba and New York, the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin Archange Touadéra, made a stopover in Paris for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. This meeting marks a new step towards rapprochement between the two countries, after a first meeting in March in Gabon and several gestures of goodwill from both sides.
Although the press release made public by the Élysée is quite laconic regarding the details of the meeting, we know that the two leaders discussed the state of the bilateral relationship as well as the ongoing transition in Gabon. They also agreed to continue their work together for sovereignty, stability and inclusive dialogue in the Central African Republic.
However, on the Central African side, it seems that the question of the presence of Wagner’s Russian mercenaries and their possible withdrawal has been addressed, and this withdrawal would condition a greater rapprochement between the two countries. The Central African presidential spokesperson, Albert Yaloke Mokpeme, acknowledged that they had perceived a sincere desire from France to renew frank and sincere cooperation with the Central African Republic. For his part, President Touadéra insisted on the importance of his country’s sovereignty in his response to Emmanuel Macron.
He stressed that if they were to work confidently with France as a traditional partner, this would be done on the basis of the reality of their situation and what they want for their country. He clarified that the question of the Russian presence was dealt with within the framework of a defense and training agreement between the states, and that the rest did not concern him.
This meeting between the two presidents shows a desire to strengthen relations between France and the Central African Republic, but also the importance for the latter to preserve its sovereignty. It remains to be seen how this cooperation will develop in the coming months, and whether the withdrawal of Wagner’s Russian mercenaries will actually be achieved. The stability and prosperity of the Central African Republic largely depend on it.