Rwandan troops in CAR: It’s all about new alliances
Rwandan peacekeepers at polling station in the Central African Republic when the country went to the polls to choose its president on December 27, 2020. PHOTO | NACER TALEL | ANADOLU via AFP
Rwanda’s decision to send hundreds of troops to the Central African Republic under a bilateral arrangement is part of President Paul Kagame’s long-term strategy to build and cement strong alliances on the continent.
The country is however up against the interests of France and Russia. Many French companies operate in CAR, particularly in the mining sector. On the other hand, Russia has several agreements with CAR including one that involves “partnerships in mining exploration” a deal that would give Russia access to CAR’s rich deposits of diamonds, gold, and uranium.
