The re-elected president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit his country. This invitation follows Touadera’s triumph in securing a third term in office after winning a majority in the December 28 election.
Touadera’s re-election was confirmed by provisional results released this week, which showed him securing an outright majority in the election held on December 28.
In a video interview with TASS, Touadera called Putin a “great leader” and said the Kremlin chief was “very attentive” to relations with Bangui.
The invitation to Putin is part of a broader effort to strengthen international ties following Touadera’s successful bid for a third term in office.
Moscow has become a key ally of Touadera in recent years, with CAR in 2018 becoming the first West and Central African nation to bring in Russia’s Wagner mercenaries as the chronically unstable nation sought to fend off several rebel groups.
Touadera’s victory is likely to further Russia’s interests in the country, including in gold and diamond mining.