FILE PHOTO: Central African Republic's President Faustin Archange Touadera addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 20, 2022. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

Central African Republic

Russia helped quell rebels in Central Africa — President Touadera

Central African Republic President Faustin Archange Touadera said on Friday his country's relations with Russia had helped it to save its democracy and avoid a civil war.

Published:29th Jul, 2023 at 4:07 AM

(Reuters) - Central African Republic President Faustin Archange Touadera said on Friday his country's relations with Russia had helped it to save its democracy and avoid a civil war.

Russian mercenaries, including many from the Wagner militia, intervened in 2018 on the side of the government to quell a civil war that has raged since 2012.

The Russian ambassador to the CAR said in February that 1,890 "Russian instructors" were present.

A Wagner contingent arrived in CAR this month to help secure a constitutional referendum on July 30.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

Russia helped quell rebels in Central Africa — President Touadera

Central African Republic President Faustin Archange Touadera said on Friday his country's relations with Russia had helped it to save its democracy and avoid a civil war.

Also Read

Indian Tejas fighter jet crashes during Dubai Airshow

Pope Leo accepts resignation of Spanish bishop under abuse probe

Serbian students protest station collapse, attack anniversary

French lower house rejects parts of 2026 budget

Shumeet Banerji quits BBC board over $5 billion Trump edit scandal