During a period marked by a constitutional referendum in the Central African Republic, official channels reported that the CAR approached the Russian Federation seeking security assistance. The discussions reportedly did not include a formal count of Russian military trainers. This clarification came from Alexander Bikantov, who serves as the Russian ambassador to the Central African Republic.
Bikantov explained that the republic’s appeal for aid from Russia was intertwined with the refusal by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic MINURCA to provide certain kinds of support. The diplomat emphasized that any determination about the exact number of Russian instructors would be set by Moscow itself, not by Kinshasa or Bangui, underscoring a decision that rests with the Russian authorities.
The ambassador further characterized the referendum as a success, noting that it unfolded without notable disruptions. His remarks framed the ballot as orderly and peaceful, aligning with the stated aims of maintaining stability in the run up to potential constitutional changes.
When pressed on the question of how many Russian trainers might be present in CAR, Bikantov asserted that the embassy did not possess data indicating an increase in numbers since 1890. This point was presented as a lack of concrete, up-to-date figures, rather than a negation of a growing security presence.
Meanwhile, preliminary results from the vote indicated strong support, with more than 95 percent of voters backing the adoption of a new state constitution. The changes would grant the president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the right to pursue a third term, a development that had dominated political discourse in the country and among international observers monitoring the referendum process.
On a different note, the CAR president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, attended a significant moment at the Russia-Africa summit. The plenary session, held in St, highlighted the importance of cooperative relationships and human components as a core part of the event. Observers noted the emphasis on people-to-people ties and practical collaborations that extend beyond formal agreements.
As discussions continued, the broader theme of Russia’s interactions with African nations—including CAR—was highlighted. The tone of official remarks stressed practical security collaboration, the role of regional stability, and the shared interest in development projects that benefit citizens on the ground. Even as questions about troop numbers and mission mandates arose, the overarching message remained one of continued dialogue and strategic partnership.
Key figures in the region reiterated that security partnerships are shaped by both regional realities and the evolving political landscape. The CAR’s pursuit of external assistance, paired with international responses to stabilisation efforts, reflects a landscape where sovereignty, security, and development are deeply intertwined. In this context, the ongoing conversations about trainers, mandates, and institutional support are part of a broader narrative about stabilizing governance and ensuring civilian protection during times of political change.
Experts note that the flow of security support in CAR is not only about numbers but also about training quality, oversight, and sustainable capacity building. The dialogue around observer missions, international law, and regional security architecture continues to influence how countries balance internal reform with external engagement. This ongoing exchange underscores the delicate balance between respecting a nation’s political choices and ensuring the safety and welfare of its people.