Hundreds of CAR Military Officers Training in Russia Amid Logistical Challenges

According to Claude Rameau Birot, the Defense Minister of the Central African Republic (CAR), hundreds of CAR military officers are currently undergoing training in Russia.

In an interview with RTVI, Birot revealed that over the past five years, more than 10,000 CAR military personnel have been trained by Russian instructors, with the ongoing training focusing on practical and physical aspects.

Birot emphasized the high quality of the training provided by Russian specialists, expressing appreciation for their support. He noted that the Russian instructors not only conduct training but also accompany the CAR military in operations against armed groups, playing a critical role in increasing the combat effectiveness of the CAR army.

The minister stated that Russian instructors have become an integral part of the CAR's national security system, and the country intends to continue and expand its military cooperation with Russia. However, Birot mentioned that while the CAR has expressed hope for the supply of ammunition from Russia, the feasibility of this remains uncertain due to logistical challenges.

Why this matters: The ongoing training of CAR military officers in Russia and the extensive cooperation between the two countries highlight the growing influence of Russia in the Central African Republic. This development has significant implications for regional security and stability, as well as the geopolitical dynamics in the region.

The CAR has been grappling with internal conflicts and instability, and the support from Russian instructors has been vital in enhancing the capabilities of the CAR military. As Birot emphasized, "The experience [with Russian instructors] has played a critical role in increasing the combat effectiveness of the CAR army." However, the logistical challenges in securing ammunition supplies from Russia underscore the complexities and uncertainties in the ongoing cooperation between the two nations.

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of CAR military officers trained in Russia over 5 years.
• Russian instructors accompany CAR military in operations against armed groups.
• CAR intends to expand military cooperation with Russia, but logistics issues remain.
• Russian influence in CAR grows, impacting regional security and geopolitics.
• Russian training is critical in enhancing combat effectiveness of CAR army.