After three years of strained relations, France has resumed financial assistance to the Central African Republic (CAR), pledging a budgetary aid package of €10 million aimed at strengthening governance and bolstering the education sector.
The move, announced by Paris, reflects a renewed diplomatic dialogue and signals a potential rebuilding of bilateral ties after a period marked by tension and accusations involving anti-French campaigns.
A Boost for Economic Governance and Fiscal Reform
Half of the aid, or €5 million, will be dedicated to enhancing CAR’s economic and financial governance.
French Ambassador Bruno Foucher emphasized that the funds would modernize the country’s tax administration by digitizing and streamlining revenue collection processes.
This reform is expected to bolster state revenues and improve transparency in public financial management.
Central African Finance Minister Hervé Ndoba welcomed the initiative, underscoring its importance in accelerating Bangui’s ongoing economic reforms.
The funding will also support training for civil servants and procurement of equipment, with the goal of achieving more efficient and transparent public resource management.
Support for Education Amid Social Challenges
The education sector, critical to CAR’s future, will receive €3 million to address urgent needs, including clearing arrears in public education.
This financing will facilitate the swift acquisition and distribution of new textbooks for public schools, enhancing learning conditions for students and reaffirming France’s commitment to CAR’s social and human development.
For CAR, this educational support responds to mounting social pressures and seeks to alleviate some of the internal tensions stemming from shortcomings in public service provision.
Commitment to Democratic Process
In addition, €2 million of the aid will be directed toward supporting local elections scheduled for 2025.
This contribution, overseen in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and backed by the European Union, aims to ensure fair and transparent electoral processes.
France’s support highlights its commitment to fostering democracy in CAR, while reassuring Bangui of the independent management of these funds, without conditional ties.
French Ambassador Bruno Foucher noted that the unconditional nature of this support underscores a desire to rebuild trust while respecting CAR’s sovereignty.
Renewed Diplomatic Engagement Amid Shifting Influences
This €10 million package symbolizes France’s efforts to re-establish its partnership with the Central African Republic, following years of diplomatic strain and diminishing influence amid a growing Russian presence.
The involvement of the Wagner paramilitary group in CAR further exacerbated the tensions between Bangui and Paris.
However, a turning point came with CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s visit to Paris in April, which paved the way for renewed cooperation.
The roadmap signed with French President Emmanuel Macron marked the start of a new chapter in bilateral relations, reaffirming France’s commitment to CAR’s development and navigating the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
