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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot arrived in the Central African Republic (CAR) on Thursday for a two-day diplomatic mission aimed at repairing strained relations.
This visit marks the first top-level French presence in Bangui in seven years, signalling a concerted effort to regain influence in the former colony.
The trip follows a 2024 agreement between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Faustin-Archange Touadera to relaunch diplomatic ties after a significant “cold spell” caused by the country’s shift toward Moscow.
The diplomatic challenge is underscored by President Touadera’s recent return from a week-long visit to Moscow, where he met with Vladimir Putin.
Over the last several years, France has seen its long-standing influence erode as Russia’s presence has grown.
To maintain stability amidst civil unrest, the CAR government has relied heavily on Russian Wagner Group mercenaries.
In exchange for security support, these forces have secured lucrative contracts within the country’s gold, diamond, and timber industries.
While French officials characterise the visit as a renewal of a shared history, the political landscape remains complex.
Touadera was recently re-elected to a third term following constitutional changes in a vote that the opposition dismissed as fraudulent.
As France attempts to compete with Russian interests in the mineral-rich nation, Barrot’s meetings will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing the strategic imbalance that has defined the region since the last major French ministerial visit in 2018.
