Central African Republic does not rule out deployment of Russian base

Central African Republic soldiers. Photo: AFP 2018

In August, the two countries signed an intergovernmental agreement on military cooperation. Subsequently, a center was established in Berengo, where soldiers learn to use weapons and receive combat training with the help of Russian instructors.

"We have not discussed specifically about the development of the base, but this possibility is not excluded in the framework agreement. If the two presidents, as the supreme commanders and leaders of the country, decide to deploy the base, our two countries will move forward with this and we, as ministers, will implement it," Ms. Koyara explained.

The female minister noted that the military educational center in Berengo cannot be considered a Russian military base, but people have begun to perceive it that way.

The situation in the Central African Republic deteriorated in early December 2013, when clashes broke out between fighters from the Muslim Séléka group and Christian rebels in Bangui.

According to United Nations data, as of the end of July, the conflict had resulted in nearly one million people being forced to leave their homes and about 6,000 people being killed.