Central african republic
After a seven-year hiatus, France has re-engaged diplomatically with the Central African Republic (CAR). French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Bangui on March 12–13, 2026, meeting with President Faustin-Archange Touadéra and other officials. This visit marks a significant step in mending relations strained by anti-French disinformation campaigns linked to Russian Wagner mercenaries supporting the CAR government.
Relations between France and CAR deteriorated following the withdrawal of French forces in 2016. The vacuum left by France's departure was filled by Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, who provided security assistance to the CAR government. This shift led to increased Russian influence and a series of anti-French narratives within the country.
During his visit, Minister Barrot aimed to restore bilateral relations and promote France's new partnership approach with African nations, focusing on innovation and development rather than security-based ties with autocratic regimes. He inaugurated several development projects and discussed future collaborations with CAR officials.
This diplomatic initiative precedes the upcoming "Africa Forward" summit scheduled for May in Nairobi. It reflects France's strategy to reclaim influence in regions where Russian presence has grown. President Touadéra's recent visit to Moscow, where he expressed gratitude to President Putin for Russian support during his re-election, underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
Despite the renewed engagement, challenges remain. Wagner's stronghold in CAR, including involvement in arrests of NGO staff, continues to draw criticism. While relations began thawing in 2024 with French fiscal support and reduced Russian propaganda, CAR officials remain skeptical of French intentions, citing persistent neocolonial attitudes.
The roots of this geopolitical realignment trace back to France's 2016 withdrawal of its Sangaris operation, which prompted Touadéra to seek alternative security partnerships.
