President Paul Kagame and Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadéra held talks on November 23 aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries, during Touadéra’s two-day working visit to Rwanda.
The CAR leader, who arrived in Kigali on Sunday and was received at Kigali International Airport by Minister of Interior Vincent Biruta, engaged President Kagame in discussions centred on existing areas of collaboration—particularly security cooperation, where Rwanda continues to play a major role.
Rwanda maintains troops in CAR under two arrangements: a bilateral security agreement and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission (MINUSCA). Over the years, Rwanda has also supported CAR’s security sector reforms, notably through the training of its armed forces. In 2023, President Touadéra praised Rwanda’s support, describing the partnership as “fruitful” and crucial in restoring peace and stability in his country.
Rwanda’s military assistance became especially significant in December 2020, when Rwandan forces helped halt the advance of the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), a rebel alliance led by former president François Bozizé, which was attempting to move toward Bangui. Acting under a bilateral defence arrangement, Rwandan troops were swiftly deployed to reinforce CAR’s national army.
Beyond security, Kagame and Touadéra also discussed new opportunities to deepen cooperation across sectors including infrastructure, health, mining, and other areas that offer mutual benefits to the people of both nations.
Rwanda and CAR continue to uphold strong bilateral relations, anchored in stability, cooperation, and shared development priorities.