The ruling United Hearts Movement (MCU) party of Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has signed a cooperation agreement with Russia’s United Russia party, signaling a deepening political relationship between the Central African Republic (CAR) and Russia. The agreement was signed remotely on Monday, following President Touadéra’s recent three-day official visit to Russia.
From Moscow, Andrei Klimov, a senior member of United Russia and Russian senator under Western sanctions for his support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, represented the Russian side. In Bangui, the agreement was signed by Simplice Mathieu Sarandji, a close ally of President Touadéra and the executive secretary of the MCU. Sarandji, also the president of the National Assembly, signed the document with a ceremonial scarf featuring the president’s image.

The signing ceremony was attended by several key Russian officials, including Ambassador Alexandre Bikantov, Consul Vladislav Ilin, and Dimitri Sityi, the director of the Russian House in Bangui. Sityi is also noted for his involvement with the Wagner Group’s operations in the CAR, overseeing their economic and informational activities.
Russian officials have described the agreement as a step toward opening “new horizons” for cooperation between the two parties. It is expected to foster joint projects, legislative exchanges, and further strengthen the political relationship between CAR and Russia.
The agreement’s timing is notable, coming shortly after President Touadéra’s visit to Moscow and in the lead-up to CAR’s upcoming presidential election. Some of the president’s supporters are already mobilizing as the election approaches, potentially signaling the start of a political campaign that may draw on Russian influence.

However, the deal has raised concerns among opposition figures. Crépin Mboli-Goumba, a prominent critic of President Touadéra, warned that the agreement could further consolidate power within the ruling party and undermine democratic processes. He expressed alarm that the MCU might attempt to emulate United Russia’s style of governance, which has been criticized for its centralization of power and suppression of dissent.
The agreement underscores the growing political and strategic relationship between the Central African Republic and Russia, raising questions about its implications for the CAR’s sovereignty and democratic institutions.
