Rwanda/ Central African Republic: What does the strengthening of bilateral relations between Kigali and Bangui conceal?

Rwanda has become the most reliable security partner of the Central African Republic. Beyond the security dimension of their relationship, which currently sees over 3,000 Rwandan soldiers deployed in the Central African Republic, the two countries have committed to strengthening their bilateral cooperation.

Indeed, the evolving relationship between the Central African Republic and Rwanda, demonstrating increased proximity, has witnessed significant recent developments.

Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra visited Kigali to discuss with his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, on the same day that General James Kabarebe, a trusted collaborator of Kagame, began a three-day visit to Bangui to meet with Rwandan troops stationed in the country.

This synchronization of major political actions highlights the growing strategic importance of Rwanda for the Central African Republic, particularly in the context of a contested constitutional referendum in the country.

This cooperation covers security issues as well as other areas, despite the ambiguity surrounding certain aspects of the agreements concluded between the two nations.

The presence of Rwandan military has been praised for its professionalism in helping stabilize the security situation, but this marked proximity has raised questions, especially with the approaching constitutional referendum.

However, the deepening of this proximity with Rwanda is not unanimously supported in the Central African Republic.

Voices within the opposition and civil society had already raised concerns in 2022, criticizing the Rwandan presence and even planning demonstrations to demand the withdrawal of Kagame’s troops.

Detractors argue that Rwanda’s military assistance could enable President Touadéra to amend the Constitution to seek a third term.

 Despite these criticisms, the Central African government remains firm in its commitment to getting closer to its Rwandan and Russian allies, seeing it as an essential means to maintain stability and security in a pre-electoral context.

Pedro Okalamar