The United Hearts Movement (MCU), the party supporting Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has formalized a new cooperation agreement with United Russia, the political party of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The agreement, signed remotely on Monday, marks a significant step in the growing partnership between Bangui and Moscow.
This development follows a three-day official visit to Russia by President Touadéra, signaling a deepening political and strategic alignment between the two nations.
Representing Russia during the signing in Moscow was Andrei Klimov, a senior member of United Russia and a senator facing Western sanctions due to his support of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Meanwhile, in Bangui, Simplice Mathieu Sarandji, a long-time ally of President Touadéra and current president of the National Assembly, signed the agreement on behalf of the Central African Republic. Sarandji, who also serves as the MCU’s executive secretary, wore a ceremonial scarf featuring the president’s image during the ceremony.
Several key Russian officials attended the event, including Ambassador Alexandre Bikantov, Consul Vladislav Ilin, and Dimitri Sityi, director of the Russian House in Bangui. Sityi is also known for overseeing the economic and informational activities of the Wagner Group in the region.
The Russian Embassy has framed the partnership as a major step toward expanding cooperation, with an emphasis on joint projects and legislative exchanges aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
The timing of the agreement is notable, occurring shortly after President Touadéra’s Moscow visit and aligning with the early mobilization of his political base ahead of the presidential election later this year.
However, the deal has sparked concerns among critics. Opposition leader Crépin Mboli-Goumba raised alarms, suggesting that the MCU is attempting to replicate the model of United Russia—a political party he describes as authoritarian and oppressive, blending seamlessly with state institutions and silencing political opposition.
The deal further underscores the evolving relationship between the Central African Republic and Russia, raising questions about its potential impact on the country’s political landscape and sovereignty.