French FM and UN peacekeeping chief discuss CAR peace initiatives
## Visit of France's Foreign Minister to the Central African Republic
Visit of France's Foreign Minister to the Central African Republic
France's Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, arrived in Bangui on Thu, Oct 12, 2023, marking the first high-level French visit to the Central African Republic in seven years. The visit aims to rebuild diplomatic ties with the former colony.
Barrot's visit comes after the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Faustin-Archange Touadéra in April 2024. This move follows years of strained relations influenced by increasing Russian involvement in the region.
Since gaining independence in 1960, the Central African Republic has seen France maintain influence and a military presence. However, there has been a gradual shift towards Russian involvement. President Touadéra has increasingly relied on Russian mercenaries, specifically from the Wagner group, which has secured contracts in the gold, diamond, and logging sectors.
France's Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, arrived in Bangui on Thu, Oct 12, 2023, marking the first high-level French visit to the Central African Republic in seven years.
On Fri, Oct 13, 2023, Minister Barrot is scheduled to meet with President Touadéra, who was re-elected in December with 78 percent of the vote, a result contested by opposition parties.
The last visit by a senior French official was by Jean-Yves Le Drian in November 2018, two years after President Touadéra assumed power during a civil conflict.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
