Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera has expressed interest in opening a joint drone training centre with Russia, underscoring what he described as a deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.
Speaking to media, Touadera said cooperation with Moscow dates back decades but has intensified significantly in recent years, particularly in the defence and security sectors. He thanked Russia for its support, noting that the partnership includes the training of CAR’s armed forces.
Touadera described military and technical cooperation with Russia as strategic, adding that Russian military instructors operating in the country have been working effectively. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing about expanding the number of Russian instructors, while acknowledging that the issue remains sensitive.
He said the CAR is seeking to build a professional army capable of responding to a wide range of threats, stressing that modern warfare increasingly involves drones. According to Touadera, the army is preparing both to use drones and to defend against them.
“Drones have become a widely used weapon,” he said, adding that the CAR would welcome training for its forces in drone operation, access to equipment, and even the possibility of producing drones locally to meet military needs.
Touadera confirmed that establishing a drone training centre jointly with Russia is under consideration, and did not rule out the purchase of Russian weapons, saying such decisions would depend on available state resources and the scope of bilateral cooperation.
Commenting on relations with France, the president acknowledged that ties had been tense in the past, but said efforts by both sides had helped set clearer rules for cooperation based on respect for CAR’s sovereignty. He stressed that Bangui would continue to prioritise national interests in its foreign relations.
Touadera’s remarks come shortly after provisional election results showed him securing a third presidential term with more than 76 percent of the vote.