Faustin-Archange Touadera, the President of the Central African Republic (CAR), has announced that more than 10,000 troops have undergone training with assistance from Russian instructors, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities.
In an interview with RTVI, President Touadera emphasized the importance of cultivating a patriotic armed force committed to defending the nation’s interests. He highlighted the collaborative efforts with Russian instructors, noting the positive impact of their training programs.
“Our focus goes beyond mere military training; we aim to instill a sense of patriotism among our troops. Working closely with Russian instructors, we have successfully trained over 10,000 young soldiers, yielding tangible results,” President Touadera stated.
Acknowledging existing challenges in military infrastructure, President Touadera reassured ongoing efforts to address and rectify these issues for improved operational efficiency.
Since assuming office, President Touadera has prioritized modernizing the CAR’s armed forces to meet evolving security threats. He outlined a series of reforms aimed at restructuring the defense and security apparatus, including the reorganization of the army into garrison-type units with designated defense zones.
“We have initiated comprehensive reforms to modernize our defense and security forces, adapting to new challenges. Our strategy involves decentralizing our defense forces to better protect our population, especially in remote areas prone to violence,” President Touadera explained.
Furthermore, President Touadera highlighted the expansion of training programs beyond the military to encompass law enforcement agencies, such as the police and gendarmerie, underscoring the holistic approach to national security.