French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has arrived in the Central African Republic (CAR), marking the first visit by a senior French official in seven years. He was welcomed by his Central African counterpart Sylvie Notefe as part of efforts to revive diplomatic relations between Paris and Bangui.
The visit follows the restoration of diplomatic dialogue in April 2024 between French President Emmanuel Macron and CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, after years of strained relations.
Barrot is expected to meet President Touadéra, who recently returned from a week-long visit to Moscow, where he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Amid persistent instability in the Central African Republic, Touadéra has increasingly relied on Russian Wagner Group mercenaries for security support. In return, the group has reportedly secured lucrative contracts in the country’s gold, diamond and forestry sectors, highlighting the growing geopolitical competition for influence in the region.
Source: AfricaNews
