Foreign relations of the Central African Republic

President François Bozizé has said that one of his priorities is to get the support of the international community. This has indeed been visible in his relations to donor countries and international organisations. At the same time it is difficult to have an open policy towards neighbouring countries when they are used as safe haven by rebels regularly attacking Central African Republic (C.A.R.), or when one allied country is in war with another (as is ChadSudan).

The Central African Armed Forces cannot–even with the support of France and the Multinational Force of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (FOMUC)–exert control over its own borders. Hence, armed groups are regularly entering the country from Chad and Sudan. The President said in an interview that he has a good relation with neighbours and fellow CEMAC countries, "put aside the incident with Sudan when the border had to be closed since militia entered C.A.R. territory".

Participation in international organisations

Countries which the Central African Republic maintains diplomatic relations with

The Central African Republic is an active member in several Central African organizations, including the Economic and Monetary Union (CEMAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC), the Central African Peace and Security Council (COPAX- still under formation), and the Central Bank of Central African States (BEAC). Standardization of tax, customs, and security arrangements between the Central African states is a major foreign policy objective of the C.A.R. Government. The C.A.R. is a participant in the Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN-SAD), and the African Union (AU).

Other multilateral organizations—including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, United Nations agencies, European Union, and the African Development Bank—and bilateral donors—including the Republic of Korea, Germany, Japan, the European Union, and the United States—are significant development partners for the C.A.R.

Bilateral relations

Nineteen countries have resident diplomatic representatives in Bangui, and the C.A.R. maintains approximately the same number of missions abroad. Since early 1989 the government recognizes both Israel and the State of Palestine. The C.A.R. also maintains diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. The C.A.R. generally joins other African and developing country states in consensus positions on major policy issues. The most important countries the C.A.R. maintains bilateral relations include the following.

Country Formal relations began Notes
 Albania 23 May 1970 See Albania–Central African Republic relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 May 1970

 Algeria 9 October 1970 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 October 1970 when first Ambassador of the Central African Republic , Jean Charlie Mokamanede , presented his credentials to President Boumedienne
 Angola 22 March 1988 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 March 1988
 Argentina 15 July 1986

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 July 1986

 Armenia 21 September 2017

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 2017

 Australia 18 January 2010 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 January 2010
 Austria The two countries maintain diplomatic relations
 Bahrain 24 March 2022 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 March 2022
 Belarus 4 April 2012 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 April 2012
 Belgium The Central African Republic has had an embassy in Brussels, Belgium since 1962.
 Benin The two countries maintain friendly relations.
 Botswana 18 October 2021 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 October 2021 when first Ambassador of the Central African Republic Mr. Andre Nzapayeke presented his credentials to President of Botswana Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi
 Brazil 27 April 2010

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 April 2010

 Bulgaria 9 January 1970 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 January 1970
 Burkina Faso The two countries maintain diplomatic relations and Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra visited Burkina Faso in November 2016.
 Burundi The two countries maintain diplomatic relations and Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza visited the country in 2014.
 Cameroon

Cameroon is probably the foreign country that most Central Africans identify with, since most people live in the western part of the country, close to the Cameroon border. It is also the most important regional trade partner of CAR; most of the country's imports pass through the port of Douala, before being transported by truck to CAR. Most of the 1,450 km road to the coast is now paved, only a short distance remains. Following the increase of violence in north-western CAR in late 2005, there were at the end of 2006 about 48,000 refugees from CAR in Cameroon.

 Canada 13 June 1962 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 June 1962
 Chad 29 February 1964

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 February 1964 when has been accredited first Permanent Representative (Ambassador) of Chad to Central African Republic Mr. Thomas Keiro.

Chad is one of President François Bozizé's closest allies. Before seizing power in 2003, Bozizé's rebel group was equipped and trained in Chad. The group that finally overthrew President Ange-Félix Patassé consisted of–in addition to Bozizé's own rebels–100 soldiers from the Chad National Army. In addition to the 121 Chadian soldiers in the Multinational Force in the Central African Republic (FOMUC), there are still 150 soldiers from Chad in the CAR. The majority is found within the president's lifeguard, while others patrol Bangui and the north-west parts of the country.

Chad's president Idriss Déby has an interest in tranquility in north-western CAR, due to the proximity to the location of the Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipeline Project. In April 2006, the Chadian rebel group United Front for Democratic Change, which is based in Darfur used C.A.R. as a transit route to Chad, when attacking N'Djamena. Bozizé, who has received much support from President Déby, immediately decided to close the CAR-Sudan border (a decision which he has no capacity at all to enforce).

The border was officially closed between April and December. Already a couple of weeks later, an Antonov cargo plane crossed the border from Sudan and landed at Tiringoulou airport in C.A.R., where it unloaded weapons and about 50 armed men who spread out in the area. In the end of June, Central African military and FOMUC peacekeepers clashed with these men near Gordil, resulting in at least 30 casualties.

Chad had also maintained good relations with the previous president, Patassé. They were one of the countries that sent troops to defend Patassé during the mutinies in 1996-1997 and assisted in negotiating the subsequent Bangui Agreements. Following the increase of violence in north-western C.A.R. in late 2005, there were at the end of 2006 about 50,000 refugees from C.A.R. in Chad.

 Chile 1 March 2016 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 March 2016
 People's Republic of China 29 September 1964 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 September 1964. However when Bokasa came to power, the Central African regime decided to cut off its diplomatic relations with China in January 1966 and resumed its diplomatic relations with Taiwan in May 1968. The relations between China and Central Africa were normalized following the signing of a joint communiqué between the two countries on August 20 1976. In July 8, 1991, the Central African government again resumed its relations with Taiwan. Therefore, China had to announce the suspension of its diplomatic relations with Central Africa. On January 29,1998, the two countries resumed ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations after signing the joint communiqué on the resumption of diplomatic relations.
 Colombia 3 October 1988 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 October 1988.
 Republic of Congo 26 November 1962 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 November 1962 when has been appointed Mr. Jean-Charles Kibant as Permanent Representative of the Republic of Congo to Central African Republic.

The two countries maintain close relations.

 Democratic Republic of the Congo

Bozizé has surprisingly good relations both with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila and the former rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba. When the old president Kolingba tried to overthrow Patassé in May 2001, the Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC) came to his rescue. MLC controlled the northern part of DRC and its rebels were stationed on the other side of the Ubangi river from Bangui. The MLC executed between 60 and 120 persons, mainly from the Yakoma tribe and committed atrocities–including killing, looting and rape–against the population. This terror and the crimes carried out during MLC's war against Bozizé's rebels between October 2002 and March 2003 is now being investigated by the International Criminal Court, which says it has identified 600 rape victims and the real numbers are expected to be higher.

Most of the crimes were committed by Congolese MLC soldiers, but Bozizé's rebels, including elements from Chad, were also responsible. During Bozizé's time in power, new clashes have taken place between his soldiers and the MLC. Bozizé has strengthened military presence along the border and deployed an amphibious force patrolling the Ubangi river. There were refugees from DRC in C.A.R. from July 1999 (when Kabila advanced in the region bordering C.A.R.). The refugees were repatriated following an agreement between UNHCR and the governments of the two countries in 2004. Refugees from C.A.R. in DRC were beginning to be repatriated in July 2004.

Currently, several hundred troops of the Military of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are stationed in CAR.

 Croatia 18 September 2023 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 September 2023
 Cuba 3 March 2000 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 March 2000
 Czech Republic 1 November 2008 Czechoslovakia and Central African Republic established diplomatic relations on 15 May 1970. Czech Republic and Central African Republic established diplomatic relations on 1 November 2008.
 Denmark The two countries maintain diplomatic relations.
 Ecuador 20 February 2015 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 February 2015
 Egypt 2 July 1969 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 July 1969
 Equatorial Guinea 24 January 1975 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 January 1975.
 Estonia 3 April 2014 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 April 2014
 Ethiopia 15 September 1970 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 September 1970
 Fiji 22 January 2013 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 January 2013
 Finland 22 May 1970 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 May 1970
 France 14 August 1960 See Central African Republic–France relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 August 1960

Although drops in its external assistance budget have reduced French military and social development aid to the country, France remains the most important bilateral donor and the country from which CAR receives most imports. Its historic ties, its long military presence as well as its economic influence have also given it a political influence.

France closed its military bases in Bangui and Bouar in 1997 as a part of its new Africa policy and relations with CAR decreased during the rule of former president Ange-Félix Patassé. France was however the first country to recognise Bozizé's government and during his time in power France has given logistic and intelligence support to the peace missions in the country.

  • Central African Republic has an embassy in Paris.
  • France has an embassy in Bangui.
 Gabon The two countries maintain close relations.
 Georgia 22 December Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 December 2010
 Germany 1 December 1960 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1960
 Ghana Ghana is represented in the Central African Republic through its embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
 Greece 10 September 1965 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 September 1965 when appointed first Ambassador of Central African Republic to Greece Mr. Maurice Dejean
 Holy See 13 May 1967 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 May 1967
 Hungary 10 February 1970 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 February 1970
 India 7 June 1976 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 June 1976 when Mr. Pacido Peidade D'Souza, Ambassador of India to Zaire, has been concurrently accredited as Ambassador to the Central African Republic with residence at Kinshasa.
 Indonesia 21 September 2016 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 2016.
 Iran 18 March 1975 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 March 1975.
 Ireland 26 June 2018 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 June 2018
 Israel 10 November 1961

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 November 1961 when government of the CAR agreed to the appointment of Mr. Ephraim Ben-Haim as Israel's first Ambassador to Central African Republic. But CAR severance diplomatic relations with Israel on 21 October 1973. Diplomatic relations were restored on 16 January 1989.

 Italy June 1964 Both countries established diplomatic relations in June 1964 when the Central African Republic's Ministerial Council accepted the appointment of Francesco Paolo Campanella as Italian Ambassador.
 Ivory Coast 10 March 1971 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 March 1971
 Japan 1960

Both countries established diplomatic relations on August 13, 1960.

 Kenya The two countries maintain cordial relations.
 Kuwait 9 April 2007 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 April 2007 when first Ambassador of Kuwait with residence in Khartoum, Mr. Monther Bader Al-Eissa, presented his credentials to President of Central African Republic Francois Bozize.
 Kyrgyzstan 21 November 2016 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 November 2016
 Latvia 30 May 2012

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 May 2012

 Lebanon 1966 Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1966 when has been accredited Ambassador of Lebanon to Central African Republic (resident in Accra) M. Khalil Itani.
 Lesotho Lesotho is represented in the Central African Republic through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 Liberia 5 May 1970 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 May 1970
 Libya 6 May 1971

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 May 1971

Libya still plays an important role in the domestic politics of C.A.R.. Libya assisted C.A.R. in negotiating a peace agreement was signed in Tripoli in February 2007, between President Bozizé and the head of the Front démocratique du people centrafricain (FDPC) rebel movement (who is also said to have close ties to Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR), the rebel group that seized several cities in northern C.A.R. in November 2006).

Libya was previously one of the former president Patassé's closest allies, providing him with strong military support when he no longer trusted his own military or France. Patassé granted Libyan enterprises outstanding economic advantages, such as a 99-year concession on diamonds, gold, oil and uranium all over the country. It is not known whether these agreements are still valid, but Bozizé has anyway a continuously good relation with Libya.

 Lithuania 25 September 2018 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 September 2018
 Luxembourg 12 June 1963 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 June 1963
 Mali The two countries maintain diplomatic relations.
 Malaysia 2000 Both countries established diplomatic relations in 2000
 Maldives 24 May 2018 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 May 2018
 Mauritania 8 October 2013 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 October 2013 when Ambassador of Central African Republic Mr. Nemaga Ismail, has presented his credentials to President of Mauritania Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.
 Mauritius 24 March 2017 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 March 2017
 Mexico 4 February 2020

Both nations established diplomatic relations on 4 February 2020 in New York City, with the signing by their respective ambassadors to the United Nations.

  • Mexico is accredited to the Central African Republic from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.
 Mongolia 18 June 1970

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 June 1970

 Montenegro 2 April 2015

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 April 2015

 Morocco 1976 Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1976
 Mozambique 18 February 2016 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 February 2016 when first Ambassador of CAR to Mozambique with residence in Pretoria M. Andre Nzapayeke, presented his credentials to President Filipe Nyusi.
 Namibia 21 July 2016 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 2016 when has been accredited non-resident Ambassador of Central African Republic to Namibia Mr. Andre Nzepayeke.
 Netherlands 10 December 1965 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 December 1965
 New Zealand 27 October 2016 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 October 2016 when first Ambassador of the Central African Republic Mr. Andre Nzapayeke presented his credentials to Governor General of New Zealand Patsy Reddy
 Nicaragua 12 June 2019 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 June 2019
 Niger 9 May 1981 Both countries established diplomatic relationms on 9 May 1981 when first Ambassador of Niger to Central African Republic with residence in Yaounde Mr. Moustapha Tahi , presented his credentials to President David Dacko.
 Nigeria 6 October 1970 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 October 1970.
 North Korea 5 September 1969

See Central African Republic–North Korea relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on September 5, 1969.

 North Macedonia 20 October 2002 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 October 2002.
 Norway 16 May 1970 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 May 1970
 Pakistan 2 April 1974

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 April 1974 when Pakistan's first ambassador to the Central African Republic, Mr. Sha Ansani presented credentials to President Jean Bedel Bokassa.

The Central African Republic has maintained friendly relations with Pakistan, however they are not very Intense. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has paid a state visit to Bangui in 1997.

 Philippines 1 June 1976 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 June 1976
 Poland 15 January 1970 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 January 1970
 Portugal 15 February 1977 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 February 1977
 Qatar 1 August 1985 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 August 1985
 Romania 6 February 1968 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 February 1968
 Russia 7 December 1960 See Central African Republic–Russia relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 December 1960

In March 2018, Russia agreed to provide free military aid to the Central African Republic, sending small arms, ammunition, and 175 instructors to train the Central African Armed Forces. The advisers are believed to be members of the Wagner Group. It was Russia's largest military deployment to Africa since the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. As of January 2019, the CAR is considering hosting a Russian Armed Forces base. A former Russian intelligence official has been installed by the Central African president as his top security adviser.

 Rwanda 8 July 2016 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 July 2016 when Ambassador of Rwanda M. Jean Baptiste Habyalimana presented his letters of credence to the President of Central African Republic, Faustin Archange Touadera.
 Saudi Arabia 16 June 2017 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 June 2017
 Senegal The two countries maintain diplomatic relations.
 Serbia 22 May 1964

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 May 1964

 Seychelles 16 May 2017 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 May 2017 when first Ambassador of CAR to Seychelles with residence in Pretoria M. Andre Nzapayeke, presented his credentials to President Danny Faure.
 South Africa 23 August 1993

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 August 1993

 South Korea 5 September 1963

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 September 1963

 South Sudan 21 November 2012 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 November 2012
 Spain 27 November 1964 See Central African Republic–Spain relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 November 1964

  • Central African Republic is accredited to Spain from its embassy in Paris, France.
  • Spain is accredited to the Central African Republic from its embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
 Sudan

See Central African Republic–Sudan relations.

Given that Bozizé accuses Sudan of supporting the UFDR rebels who are actively fighting the Central African Government, the relation between the two countries has remained good. Bozizé even planned to visit Khartoum in December 2006, but had to cancel his trip when Chad (which has strained relations with the Sudanese Government) threatened to withdraw its military support to C.A.R. Bozizé said that he was afraid of getting involved in the Darfur crisis and claimed that the solution is in the hands of Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir.

During the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005), there was a massive uncontrolled crossing of the Sudan-C.A.R. border by soldiers from the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), looking for safety during periods of attacks or drought. At the same time, C.A.R. was used by the Sudanese Armed Forces when launching attacks on the SPLA. Moreover, thousands of Sudanese refugees lived in C.A.R.; at the peak of the influx, by the early 1990s there were 36,000 Sudanese refugees in Mboki in south-east C.A.R. About half of the refugees were SPLA soldiers with more than 5000 weapons, who allegedly occupied towns as far as 200 km into the C.A.R. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was forced to close its refugee camp at Mboki in October 2002, due to the high prevalence of weapons.

After the war, all refugees were repatriated to Sudan; the last of the 9,700 remaining in Central African Republic were evacuated in April 2007. Sudan was one of the contributors to the peacekeeping force of the Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN-SAD) in Central African Republic in 2001–2002.

 Sweden The two countries maintain diplomatic relations.
  Switzerland 11 February 1964 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 February 1964 when appointed first Ambassador of Switzerland to Central African Republic (resident in Leopoldville) Mr. Arturo Marcionelli
 Tajikistan 15 February 2018 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 February 2018.
 Tanzania 8 November 2019 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 November 2019 when Ambassador of Tanzania with residence in Kinshasa Lieutenant General Paul Ignace Mella, has presented his credentials to President of Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
 Thailand 30 October 1987 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 October 1987
 Togo The two countries maintain diplomatic relations.
 Tunisia 1971 Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1971
 Turkey 29 January 1980 See Central African Republic–Turkey relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 January 1980

 Uganda The two countries maintain diplomatic relations.
 Ukraine 14 September 1995 See Central African Republic–Ukraine relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 September 1995

 United Arab Emirates 22 May 2009 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 May 2009
 United Kingdom 9 December 1960 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 December 1960
 United States 13 August 1960 See Central African Republic–United States relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 August 1960

The U.S. Embassy in Bangui was briefly closed as a result of the 1996–97 mutinies. It reopened in 1998 with limited staff, but U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Peace Corps missions previously operating in Bangui did not return. The American Embassy in Bangui again temporarily suspended operations on November 2, 2002, in response to security concerns raised by the October 2002 launch of François Bozizé's 2003 military coup.

The Embassy reopened in January 2005; however, there currently is limited U.S. diplomatic/consular representation in the CAR. As a result, the ability of the Embassy to provide services to American citizens remains extremely limited. The United States Department of State approved the lifting of Section 508 aid restrictions triggered by the coup; U.S. assistance to the Central African Republic had been prohibited except in the areas of humanitarian aid and support for democratization. Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets. United States Department of State.

  • Central African Republic has an embassy in Washington, DC.
  • United States has an embassy in Bangui.
 Venezuela 20 September 2006 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 September 2006
 Vietnam 10 November 2008

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 November 2008

 Zambia 28 August 2017 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 August 2017 when first Ambassador of CAR to Zambia with residence in Pretoria M. Andre Nzapayeke, presented his credentials to President Edgar Lungu.
 Zimbabwe 12 April 2018 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 April 2018 when first Ambassador of CAR to Zimbabwe with residence in Pretoria M. Andre Nzapayeke, presented his credentials to President Mnangagwa.

Non-bilateral relations

See also


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