France Reinstates Diplomatic Relations with Central African Republic After Eight — Year Hiatus. City, Country — Bangui, Central African Republic — March 14, 2026 French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has arrived in Bangui for the first high-level French visit since 2018, marking the “full restoration “of diplomatic ties with the former colony.
The visit comes amidst a complex geopolitical landscape, as the Central African Republic (CAR) navigates its relationship with France and deepening ties with Russia. “.
This is the first time in eight years that a Foreign Minister is here in Bangui, “Barrot said following a meeting with President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. “My visit marks the full restoration of relations between our two countries following a period of tension—brief in the context of our shared history.”
France and CAR relaunched diplomatic ties in April 2024 after a disagreement over Russia’s increasing influence in the mineral-rich nation.
Barrot’s visit comes shortly after Touadéra returned from a week-long trip to Moscow, where he met with President Vladimir Putin. Since independence in 1960, France has maintained influence and military presence in CAR but has gradually lost ground to Russia.
Touadéra has increasingly relied on mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group, who secure lucrative contracts in the gold, diamond, and logging industries in return.
Touadéra, who is serving his third term after taking power in 2016 amid civil war, said on Friday that security had improved but remained “fragile.”Barrot noted that a two-year roadmap is already “having a significant impact “as the country pursues peace and economic development, with France standing “shoulder to shoulder “alongside it.
The visit by Barrot signifies France’s renewed commitment to the region and its intention to play a more active role in CAR’s political and economic affairs.
The restoration of diplomatic relations is expected to bolster France’s influence in the region and potentially impact the balance of power between CAR and its neighboring countries. Further details are expected as the two nations work to strengthen their partnership and address the challenges facing CAR, including ongoing security concerns and economic development.
