The Central African Republic and Rwanda multiply signs of rapprochement

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra made the round trip to Kigali on Thursday for talks with his counterpart Paul Kagame, while at the same time, General James Kabarebe, one of the Rwandan president's closest aides, began a three-day visit to Bangui to meet Rwandan troops deployed in the country. Rwanda has become the CAR's safest security partner, but this proximity is a challenge as the country moves towards a constitutional referendum.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame (L) and his Central African counterpart, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, in Bangui, Central African Republic, in October 2019. AFP - FLORENT VERGNES

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Currently Paul Kagame's defense and security adviser, General James Kabarebe is one of the Rwandan president's historical confidants, whom he has served since the time of the rebellion, before the 1994 genocide. His three-day visit to Bangui is therefore a strong signal of Rwanda's interest in this country, especially since it coincides with an express return trip by President Touadéra to his counterpart in Kigali.

The two heads of state "agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation" according to the Central African presidency.

On the Rwandan side, there is talk of "discussions on ongoing cooperation, including the response to security challenges in CAR". According to the Rwandan Ministry of Defense, 2,100 soldiers are currently deployed in the Central African Republic under MINUSCA peacekeepers, and another 1,200 under a bilateral agreement to support and train the FACA. An agreement whose details are not known, which has long fueled speculation about the quid pro quos obtained by Rwanda.

Within civil society, it is stressed that the "professionalism" of Rwandans has helped to improve the security situation, but we are surprised by this proximity displayed a few weeks before a disputed constitutional referendum. "The regime is looking for a shield and a donor," said one of our interlocutors, another accusing President Touadéra of "selling" the country to Paul Kagame.

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  • Rwanda
  • Central African Republic
  • Faustin-Archange Touadéra