Russia has donated 10 BRDM-2 armored personnel vehicles to the Central Africa Republic (CAR) in continued collaboration between the two countries as the former increases her assistance to the African nation. During the handover, Russia also announced that in efforts to increase and cement its relationships with the various African nations; she had opened a Defense Ministry representative office.
The moves come amid President Vladimir Putin’s push to revive Soviet-era influence and challenge other powers’ foothold in resource-rich Africa. Russia has donated small arms and sent trainers in recent years to bolster the conflict-torn former French colony government’s fight against militia groups.
Additionally, Russia sent five members of the military including a senior officer that will lead the office as well as advise the country’s military that has been battling local insurgencies that are fuelled by sectarian differences. CAR also hopes that the increased involvement by Russia could mean that the European nation would help in lifting the UN arms embargo against CAR.
