By Enyichukwu Enemanna
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Friday arrived in Bangui, capital of Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday for the first high-level French visit in eight years, declaring the “full restoration” of ties with the former colony as it navigates deepening relations with Russia.
“This is the first time in eight years that a Foreign Minister is here in Bangui,” Barrot said after meeting President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
“My visit marks the full restoration of relations between our two countries following a period of tension—brief in the context of our shared history.”
France and CAR relaunched diplomatic ties in April 2024 after a falling-out over Moscow’s growing influence in the mineral-rich nation of 5.3 million.
Barrot’s visit comes just days after President Touadéra returned from a week-long trip to Moscow, where he met President Vladimir Putin.
Since independence in 1960, France maintained influence and soldiers in CAR but has gradually lost ground to Russia.
CAR has increasingly relied on mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group, who secure lucrative contracts in gold, diamond and logging industries in return.
Touadéra, serving his third term after taking power amid civil war in 2016, said Friday that security had improved but remained “fragile.”
Barrot noted that a two-year roadmap is already “having a significant impact” as the country pursues peace and economic development, with France standing “shoulder to shoulder” alongside.
