Russia has sent an additional 300 instructors to train the army at the request of the Central African Republic (CAR), the Russian Foreign Ministry reported on December 22.
“Russia, within the framework of assisting Bangui (the capital of the Central African Republic – Ed.) In strengthening the defense capability of the Central African Republic, promptly responded to the request of its leadership and sent an additional 300 instructors to train the military personnel of the national army. The corresponding notification was sent by the Russian side to the UN Security Council Committee 2127 on sanctions against the Central African Republic, ”the publication says.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern about the worsening situation in the republic: the opposition in the country, led by former President François Bozizet, who was denied registration as a candidate for the upcoming presidential elections by the Constitutional Court, mobilized its supporters to organize a “march” on Bangui … Illegal armed groups are also involved.
As noted in the Foreign Ministry, the advancement of opposition groups, which are “fed from outside,” has acquired the character of an attack aimed at destabilizing the situation in the CAR. The rebel forces are seizing cities and towns, the Russian ministry added.
It is also noted that the international community condemns the actions of the armed opposition groups and calls for the implementation of the 2019 Peace Agreement by all parties.
Earlier in December, it became known that the rebels in the CAR formed an anti-government “Coalition of Patriots for Change” to oppose the country’s President Faustin-Archange Touadere. The rebels have occupied the city of Mbayki and are reported to be threatening a blockade of the city of Bangui.
In August 2019, the American television channel CNN published an article about how Russia, allegedly with the help of private military companies, is “increasing its influence” in the CAR and other African countries.
Later, two citizens of the Central African Republic admitted that they had slandered the Russians for money.
In June 2019, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported on the dispatch of Russian military personnel to the CAR to work as part of the UN mission. It was reported that the Russians were sent there as liaison officers, military observers and staff officers.