Latest news with #Faustin-ArchangeTouadéra
Business Insider
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Russia's Africa Corps set to take over Wagner's role in Central Africa
Russia aims to strengthen its influence in Africa by providing its state-backed military force - Africa Corps - to replace the ousted Wagner group and defend the Central African Republic (CAR). Russia is reinforcing its presence in Africa by deploying its state military force, Africa Corps, in the Central African Republic (CAR). CAR aims to shift from Wagner Group's military aid to Russia's formalized military presence via Africa Corps. This development follows the reorganization of Wagner's activities under Moscow, tightening Russia's control in its African engagements. CAR is expected to ditch its pact with the mercenary Wagner military arm, while welcoming Africa Corps—Russia's official military wing—for the country's protection. This deal would formalize Russia's military presence in the Central African Republic (CAR), including the construction of a permanent base in Berengo, located just 80 km west of the capital, Bangui. The base could accommodate up to 10,000 servicemen for training purposes. In return for security guarantees, CAR would grant Russia significant access to the country's mineral resources. Africa Intelligence reports that the Central African president is being forced to sign a defense deal with Africa Corps, the Kremlin's armed wing, before the end of the year. Africa Corps, operating under the Russian Ministry of Defense, has assumed the roles previously held by Wagner mercenaries, providing security and training to CAR's military forces. However, this partnership has raised concerns due to allegations of human rights abuses and economic exploitation. Critics argue that such agreements may compromise CAR's sovereignty and entrench Russian influence in the region. J. Peter Pham, former U.S. special envoy to the Sahel, told Al Arabiya that the initiative reflects the Kremlin's recognition of an opportunity to expand its influence, particularly following the withdrawal of French-led military forces from the region. ' If it's formalized, especially with the French withdrawal, it's certainly going to be a much more significant and potentially lasting shift in geopolitical and diplomatic alignments. ' he added. Why does CAR need Russia's protection? The Central African Republic (CAR) relies on Russia for protection due to ongoing insecurity and a weak national army. Since the 2013 coup, rebel groups have destabilized the country despite the presence of UN peacekeepers. Russia deepened its role in 2018, aiding President Faustin-Archange Touadéra's government through the Wagner Group in return for access to gold and diamond resources. With Wagner's influence fading, CAR now seeks a formal defense pact with Russia's state-backed Africa Corps, viewing Moscow as a more dependable ally than Western powers. The timing of the agreement is significant, coinciding with President Touadéra's preparations for the upcoming presidential election. While the government views the deal as a means to bolster security, opposition leaders warn that it could further entrench foreign influence and undermine democratic processes. Wagner's waning influence in Africa - The Putin effect The decline of the Wagner Group's autonomy in Africa marks a significant shift in Russia's foreign policy under President Vladimir Putin. Following the death of Wagner's leader Yevgeny Prigozhin under controversial circumstances, and the group's reorganization under the Russian Ministry of Defense, Moscow has tightened its control over military operations on the continent. In place of Wagner, the newly formed "Africa Corps" now represents the Kremlin's formal military engagement in countries such as the Central African Republic (CAR), Mali, and Burkina Faso. Though Wagner's brutal tactics and alleged human rights abuses strained local relationships, their departure has not necessarily meant less Russian control, just a more formal and centralized one.
Morocco World
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Bourita, Central African FM Meet in Rabat to Strengthen Economic, Security Ties
Rabat – Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, hosted his Central African counterpart, Sylvie Baïpo-Temon, on Wednesday in Rabat. She delivered a written message to King Mohammed VI from the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Following the meeting, Baïpo-Temon, who was accompanied by Central African Minister of Economy, Richard Filakota, expressed her appreciation for the strong relations between the two countries. She stated that her visit aims to further strengthen cooperation between Morocco and Central Africa, especially in economic matters, noting her country's focus on economic growth as part of its national development plan. The foreign minister also thanked Morocco for its support during difficult times in the Central African Republic. She reaffirmed her country's commitment to enhancing security cooperation with Morocco. FM Sylvie Baïpo-Temon delivered a written message to King Mohammed VI from the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra. In addition, Baïpo-Temon commended the role of Moroccan peacekeepers in maintaining stability in her country. 'Morocco has always stood by the Central African Republic in addressing various challenges,' she stated. She added that the Central African Republic continues to rely on its partners and friendly nations, including Morocco. 'As we move forward, we wish to share our vision with Morocco and continue benefiting from its support, in line with the kingdom's commitment to Africa's prosperity,' she said. Morocco has been actively involved in peacekeeping efforts in Central Africa for over a decade now. It deployed a contingent of 750 soldiers within the framework of the MINUSCA mission. Earlier this year, General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), hosted General Zéphirin Mamadou, Chief of Staff of the Central African Armed Forces, to enhance military cooperation. The two officials discussed several areas of military cooperation, including training initiatives and exchange of visits. Tags: Morocco and central African Republicpolitics
Arabian Business
07-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE and Central African Republic sign CEPA to boost $252m trade relations
The UAE and the Central African Republic have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) deal as they enhance economic and diplomatic ties. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic, witnessed the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries. The agreement aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities, particularly in key sectors. UAE-CEPA deal The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and on behalf of the Central African Republic by Patrick Akoloza, Minister of Trade and Industry. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that the signing of the CEPA marks a new phase in the UAE's relationship with the Central African Republic, driven by their shared vision for growth and sustainable development to achieve mutual economic and social benefits. He highlighted that the agreement aims to open new avenues for trade, investment, and cooperation that serve the interests of both nations. President Faustin-Archange Touadéra welcomed the signing of the agreement, expressing hope that it would strengthen economic ties between the UAE and the Central African Republic and contribute to sustainable development and economic prosperity for both countries. The UAE's non-oil exports to the Central African Republic include essential consumer goods such as food products, textiles, and electronics, as well as machinery and pharmaceuticals that support key sectors across Africa. Meanwhile, the Central African Republic exports agricultural products, including coffee, cotton, and cassava, to the UAE, in addition to valuable mineral resources such as gold and diamonds. The CEPA is expected to increase market access for locally produced goods in both countries by reducing or eliminating tariffs, removing non-tariff trade barriers, and boosting investment in key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. As the UAE continues to expand its global trade network, the agreement underscores its commitment to strengthening strategic economic ties with African nations, recognising the continent's growing role in the global economy. Through the agreement, both countries seek to eliminate or reduce tariffs, facilitate trade, and lay the foundation for deeper cooperation across various sectors. The CEPA programme is a cornerstone of the UAE's objective to increase total non-oil trade to $1.1tn by 2031. It has played a crucial role in enhancing access to high-growth markets, significantly contributing to the UAE's total trade volume, which reached a record $816bn in 2024, reflecting a 14.6 per cent increase from 2023. During the meeting, the UAE President and the President of the Central African Republic also witnessed the announcement of several agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries. These covered areas such as: Investment protection and promotion Double taxation avoidance Infrastructure Mineral resources Education Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade said that the agreement will create further growth and prosperity opportunities for business communities in both countries, boosting bilateral trade beyond AED3.67bn ($999m) over the next five to seven years in a way that serves the interests of both nations. He noted that non-oil trade between the UAE and the Central African Republic continues to grow, reaching over AED925m ($252m) in 2024, highlighting the rapid expansion of trade exchanges between the two countries. Al Zeyoudi explained that the agreement ensures a high level of trade liberalisation, with the UAE granting a 98 per cent tariff removal for goods from the Central African Republic, while the latter extends a 99.5 per cent tariff removal for UAE exports, offering significant opportunities for Emirati exporters to expand in the African market.
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
10th African Day of School Feeding Commemorated in Bangui with Renewed Commitments to Expanding School Meal Programs Across Africa
The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and development partners, commemorated the 10th Anniversary of the African Day of School Feeding (ADSF) in Bangui, CAR, under the theme 'A Decade of Nourishment: Celebrating the Past, Securing a Just Future.' The event served as a key milestone in evaluating the progress made over the past decade in implementing school feeding programs across the continent and reaffirming commitments to sustaining and scaling up these initiatives. While the broader celebrations began on February 28, the official African Day of School Feeding is designated as March 1 by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, through Assembly Decision AU Assembly (589 XXVI). Since its endorsement by AU Member States in 2016, ADSF has underscored the pivotal role of school feeding programs in enhancing education, child well-being, and food security across Africa. The high-level official commemoration took place in the presence of H.E. Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic; H.E. Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI); representatives from the World Food Programme (WFP), AUDA-NEPAD, and other key partners. The two-day event also brought together Ministers of Education and Agriculture from AU Member States, international organizations, development partners, and key stakeholders. In his address, H.E. Simplice Aurélien Zingas, Minister of Education of the CAR, reaffirmed his country's commitment to expanding access to nutritious meals for schoolchildren, emphasizing that school feeding is a critical tool in promoting education and social equity. Commissioner Belhocine echoed the AU's commitment to scaling up homegrown school feeding programs as part of Agenda 2063, ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals and quality education. The Bangui Declaration, presented during the event, reaffirmed AU Member States' commitments to strengthening domestic financing for school feeding to ensure sustainability, integrating local agricultural production into school meal programs to benefit smallholder farmers, and improving multi-sectoral coordination to enhance the impact of school feeding initiatives. The event also featured remarks from key international partners. Fernanda Pacobahyba, President of the National Fund for the Development of Education of Brazil, highlighted the long-standing partnership between Brazil and the AU on school feeding programs. She noted that Brazil's national school feeding program, which serves over 40 million students annually, provides a model for integrating school meals into national education systems. The Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, praised African governments for their leadership in school feeding, highlighting that 87 million children across the continent now benefit from these programs, up from 66 million in 2022. He acknowledged that AU Member States now provide 70 percent of school feeding funds, a testament to their commitment to investing in education and nutrition. WFP reaffirmed its strong partnership with the AU and Member States to expand school meal programs and ensure that every African child has access to education and proper nutrition. As part of the commemoration, the African Union officially launched the "#AfricaEducatesHer" campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting girls' education and ensuring their continued access to learning opportunities. The campaign recognizes the barriers that girls face in education, including poverty, gender discrimination, and socio-cultural challenges. By linking school feeding to gender equality, #AfricaEducatesHer reinforces the AU's commitment to inclusive education and empowering young girls across the continent. The commemoration concluded with a school visit, where H.E. President Touadéra personally showcased projects that support homegrown school feeding. At Bouboui School, the delegation engaged with students, educators, and community members, witnessing firsthand the impact of school feeding programs on student retention, cognitive development, and academic performance. President Touadéra and Commissioner Belhocine toured classrooms, spoke with children benefiting from daily school meals, and participated in an exhibition of locally sourced agricultural products, demonstrating how homegrown school feeding programs support smallholder farmers and promote sustainable food systems. The delegation also took part in the distribution of meals to children, reaffirming their commitment to expanding access to school feeding across the continent. As Africa looks ahead to the next decade of school feeding, the African Union and its partners remain committed to expanding access to quality education and nutrition for all children. Scaling up investment, strengthening policy implementation, and fostering regional and global cooperation will be essential to ensuring that no African child is left behind. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Bloomberg
11-02-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Bitcoin's First African Adopter Starts Memecoin to Woo Investors
Central African Republic has launched a memecoin in a bid to attract investment to the mineral-rich but impoverished nation. CAR Meme is the latest attempt by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a former mathematics professor, to finance much needed development and strengthen the $3 billion economy. The country, long neglected by the international community, has been further isolated since it contracted mercenaries from the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group since 2018.
