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French Minister of Armies in the Central African Republic for two days

https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2018/12/10/la-ministre-francaise-des-armees-en-centrafrique-pour-deux-jours_5395144_3212.html

Florence Parly will reaffirm the support of France in Bangui, including delivering military equipment.

Le Monde with AFP Posted today at 10h13

The French Minister of Armies Florence Parly will reaffirm Monday, December 10 and Tuesday, December 11 in Bangui the support of France to the Central African Republic , where Russia is increasingly present, and deliver military equipment. "The purpose of the visit is to reaffirm the support of France to this country, which is a long-time partner , " says one in the cabinet of the minister. Florence Parly will meet President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, his counterpart Marie-Noëlle Koyara and the UN envoy for the Central African Republic (CAR), Parfait Onanga-Anyanga. It will give on this occasion 1,400 assault rifles promised by France as well as amphibious equipment to the Central African Armed Forces (FACA).

France obtained for this a exemption from the UN to the embargo on arms deliveries to the Central African Republic, just like the Russians a few months earlier. The minister will also reaffirm France's commitment to the African Union's peace initiative in that country, while Russia has tried to launch a parallel process. "All the other initiatives that are opportunistic and often interested initiatives do not seem to me to contribute to a positive resolution of the security situation in this country," she said in November at the Dakar Forum on Peace and Security in Africa.

Russia has invested all over the place in this former French colony, particularly in the formation of the army and diplomacy with armed groups. Companies run by Russians are also interested in its mineral wealth. France intervened militarily in the CAR between 2013 and 2016 to stop the violence of the rebel coalition Séléka (predominantly Muslim) and retaliation of anti-balaka militias claiming to defend Christians.

Two years later, almost all of the world's 4.5 million poorest people remain under the control of armed groups fighting to capture mineral resources such as gold and diamonds. strengthen their local influence. "The end of Operation Sangaris did not mark the end of our support at all. It has taken another form, " says Ms. Parly's office, pointing to FACA training and military support for the UN force there (Minusca) if needed.

In May, French fighters overflew Kaga Bandoro, 300 km north of Bangui, in support of the UN mission in Minusca after renewed intercommunal violence. "We are ready to help in an emergency as this episode has shown," said one in the entourage of the minister.

On 3 November, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian also signed aid agreements worth € 24 million in Bangui to help pay back wages and pensions, develop nearby territories of Cameroon affected by large population displacements and to install bridges to open up several regions.