The President of the Central African Republic spoke about the country's struggle against all forms of neocolonialism

The Central African Republic (CAR) continues to struggle against all forms of neocolonialism, which in the past deprived the country of sovereignty and the ability to independently manage its resources. This was announced on January 7 by the President of the country, Faustin-Arcange Touadera.

"Our people were in a subordinate position, we had no control over our own resources and, in fact, were deprived of the opportunity to make decisions on our own. <...> And today we continue to resist all forms of neocolonialism and other similar practices in order to guarantee and preserve our sovereignty," TASS quoted him as saying.

At the same time, the politician noted that the CAR remains open and expresses its readiness to cooperate with all friendly countries. Such interaction should be based on respect for the country and its people, Touadera added.

"We are obliged to take measures to protect and ensure our sovereignty, as well as create conditions that will allow us to develop sustainably. This is our current task," the head of state said.

The politician also rejected criticism of the positions of African countries on Ukraine from the West. He also spoke in support of finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.

"We will not allow pressure to be exerted on us to take sides in this conflict. Our position is to seek a peaceful settlement," said the head of the Central African Republic.

He added that in his relations with France he would also proceed from the interests of his own country.

"Relations are currently developing successfully in many areas, with full respect for our sovereignty. But even if we have to face difficulties, we will always defend our sovereignty and make decisions in the interests of the Central African Republic," the president said.

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Earlier, on January 6, the Central Election Commission declared Touadera the winner of the presidential election. The politician won 76.15% of the votes with a turnout of 52.42%. In total, seven candidates applied for the post of head of state. Faustin-Arcange Touadera, who won the elections in 2016 and 2020, won the right to be elected for the third time after the adoption of the new constitution in the summer of 2023. The term of office of the President is seven years.

On December 30, Africanist Alexander Shipilov, in a column for Izvestia, expressed the opinion that Western observers traditionally associate the political fate of the Central African leader who came to power in 2016 with outside help, primarily from Moscow. In fact, a much more complex picture can be observed. The Central African Republic has suffered for decades from political instability and frequent, often violent regime change, exacerbated by armed conflicts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Touadera began negotiations in the Kremlin on January 19, 2025. At the beginning of the meeting, the Russian leader said that the Russian Federation was ready to continue cooperation with the Central African Republic in the field of security, as well as provide humanitarian assistance with grain supplies. Touadera noted that cooperation between Russia and the Central African Republic is an example and a source of inspiration for other African countries and the world.

In February 2024, Touadera also arrived in Moscow on an official visit to participate in a forum of supporters of the struggle against modern neo-colonialism practices.

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