Feb 25, 2025 Story by: Editor
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Kingdom on Thursday accused Russia of planning to meddle in upcoming elections in the Central African Republic (CAR), while the United States claimed that Moscow aimed to exploit the gold and diamond-rich nation’s resources.
In response, Russia’s deputy United Nations ambassador, Anna Evstigneeva, dismissed the allegations, stating before the U.N. Security Council, “It is surprising that our U.S. and U.K. colleagues continue whipping the dead horse of their campaign to smear the Russian Federation.”
The Central African Republic has faced conflict since 2013 when predominantly Muslim rebels took control, forcing then-President François Bozizé out of office.
CAR was among the first African nations where Kremlin-backed Wagner mercenaries began operations, with promises to combat rebel groups and restore stability. Over time, Moscow has deepened its military and governmental ties with the country.
Valentine Rugwabiza, the U.N. special envoy for CAR, told the Security Council that the upcoming local, legislative, and presidential elections offer “a significant opportunity” to reinforce state authority, promote decentralized governance, and tackle the root causes of ongoing conflict.
Britain’s deputy U.N. ambassador, James Kariuki, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The elections should be an important milestone in expanding the political participation of all individuals in CAR.” However, he alleged that “proxies directed by the Russian state have plans to interfere with CAR elections, including through suppressing political voices and conducting disinformation campaigns to interfere in political debate,” though he did not provide further details or evidence.
Kariuki asserted that these proxies—whom he did not identify—were disregarding CAR’s sovereignty “to secure continued support for their destabilizing objectives” and, in doing so, were undermining the U.N. Security Council’s mandate to facilitate inclusive, free, and fair elections.
U.S. minister-counselor John Kelley emphasized the importance of the U.N. peacekeeping force in CAR, known as MINUSCA, calling it the most effective and “least costly way” to uphold the country’s sovereignty and independence.
Kelley explained that MINUSCA could enhance security, collaborate with the government to expand state authority, foster conditions for peace and economic progress, and document human rights concerns. However, he expressed regret that “it is clear Kremlin-backed actors purporting to be security partners are undercutting the Central African Republic’s authority and undermining peace with the primary goal of stealing CAR resources without contributing to its development.”
“Such manipulation harms the civic space and impedes democratic development,” he added, without providing additional details or evidence.
Russia’s Evstigneeva countered these claims, asserting that CAR’s government, with support from the U.N. and its partners, has made significant strides in combating illegal armed groups and now controls 90% of the country’s territory.
“Russia intends to further extend comprehensive assistance to the friendly country of CAR on a mutually respectful and equal basis in the interest of having definitive peace and security,” she said. Source: US News
