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Russia has established a defense representative office in the Central Africa Republic, as well as donated military vehicles in recent weeks, reported Russian state news outlet RIA.
Five members of the Russian military arrived in the capital Bangui on Saturday led by Oleg Polguev, the senior military officer who will head up the Russian defence ministry’s representative office, reported Reuters.
Polguev will also serve as an advisor to the CAR’s defence ministry, the news agency cited Vladimir Titorenko, the Russian ambassador to CAR, as saying.
Titorenko, who said Moscow was considering sending more military instructors to Bangui, said CAR Prime Minister Firmin Ngrébada was travelling to Russia where he will meet officials and discuss economic cooperation between the two countries.
Russia has made significant efforts in recent years to re-establish former Soviet influence in Africa, mainly due to the region’s abundance in natural resources. The Russian Ministry of Defense has provided small arms and other logistical support to the African regime’s efforts against rebellious militia forces. CAR may also request heavy weapons and helicopters according to reports.
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