Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra Arrives in Kigali for Two-Day Working Visit

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic (CAR) arrived in Kigali on Sunday, November 23, 2025, for a two-day working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The announcement was made by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its official X account. Upon arrival, President Touadéra was received by Rwanda’s Minister of Internal Security, Dr. Vincent Biruta.

Touadéra’s visit comes at a time when Rwanda remains one of CAR’s most strategic partners, particularly in the area of security. Rwanda’s military first deployed to the Central African Republic in 2014 to support peacekeeping operations in a nation destabilized by conflict that erupted in 2012.

Rwandan forces initially arrived under the African Union’s MISCA mission before transitioning to the United Nations peacekeeping mission MINUSCA, where they have since played key roles including protecting civilians, securing UN installations, and ensuring the safety of the CAR Head of State and his family.

In 2020, Rwanda deployed additional troops to CAR through a bilateral agreement between the two governments. Under this cooperation, Rwanda has also provided military training to CAR’s armed forces. In March 2025, the third cohort of 438 Central African soldiers completed a training program conducted by the Rwanda Defence Force. The training included enemy detection, combat response, map reading, and field tactics in forested areas.

Over the past eleven years, Rwanda’s presence has contributed not only to improved security but also to social development, with Rwandan security forces participating in various community support initiatives, including providing medical services to local populations.

In February 2025, Rwanda and the Central African Republic signed additional security cooperation agreements through their respective security ministries, further strengthening ties.

President Touadéra’s visit takes place just weeks before CAR heads into presidential elections scheduled for December 2025. In July 2025, he announced his intention to run for another term.