BANGUI, CAR — The United Hearts Movement (MCU), the ruling party in the Central African Republic led by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has formalized a cooperation agreement with United Russia, the political party of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The agreement, signed remotely on Monday, underscores the deepening partnership between Bangui and Moscow.
President Touadéra’s announcement came shortly after his three-day official visit to Russia. Representing Russia in the agreement was Andrei Klimov, a senior United Russia member and Russian senator under Western sanctions for supporting the Ukraine conflict.
In Bangui, Simplice Mathieu Sarandji, president of the National Assembly and MCU’s executive secretary, signed on behalf of the Central African Republic. Sarandji, a close ally of Touadéra, marked the occasion by wearing a ceremonial scarf bearing the president’s image.
Prominent Russian officials, including Ambassador Alexandre Bikantov, Consul Vladislav Ilin, and Dimitri Sityi, director of the Russian House in Bangui, witnessed the signing. Sityi, a key figure linked to Wagner Group’s local operations, plays a significant role in economic and informational activities in the region.
The Russian Embassy described the agreement as a step toward “new horizons” in collaboration, emphasizing joint projects and legislative exchanges between the two parties. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment as President Touadéra mobilizes political support ahead of the presidential election later this year.
However, the agreement has sparked concerns among opposition figures. Crépin Mboli-Goumba, a government critic, warned of potential threats to political plurality, claiming the MCU is trying to emulate United Russia by consolidating power and stifling dissent.
The growing ties between the Central African Republic and Russia continue to raise questions about their influence on the nation’s governance and sovereignty, marking a significant shift in the region’s political dynamics.
