France Moves to Restore Diplomatic Ties with Central African Republic

First visit by a senior French official in seven years comes amid growing Russian influence in the country. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has arrived in the Central African Republic, marking the first high-level French visit in seven years . He was received by his Central African counterpart Sylvie Notefe , as Paris seeks to rebuild diplomatic relations with Bangui. The visit follows the resumption of dialogue in April 2024 between French President Emmanuel Macron and CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra , signaling a gradual normalization of relations after years of tensions. Barrot is also expected to meet President Touadéra , who recently returned from a week-long visit to Moscow , where he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin . In recent years, the Central African Republic has increasingly relied on Russian Wagner Group mercenaries for security assistance . In exchange, the group has reportedly secured profitable contracts in the country’s gold, diamond and forestry industries , reflecting intensifying geopolitical competition for influence in the region. Source: Newstimehub Central African Republic France Russia Influence Diplomacy Wagner Group