Russia, Rwanda deploy troops to CAR amid pre-election tensions
The Central African Republic (CAR) has declared that Russia and Rwanda have deployed hundreds of troops to the nation following an alleged military coup plot ahead of this week’s key presidential and legislative elections.
"Russia has sent several hundred soldiers and heavy weapons" within the framework of a bilateral cooperation agreement, CAR’s Government Spokesman Ange Maxime Kazagui announced on Monday, adding, "The Rwandans have also sent several hundred men who are on the ground and have started fighting,"
A number of planes from Russia, an ally of CAR’s President Faustin-Archange Touadera, landed in the country over the weekend, Reuters reported Monday, citing unidentified sources.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on whether Moscow dispatched planes to the country. It had previously sent arms and security contractors to CAR.
Russia vows support for CAR president, poll security
The Russian ministry announced in a Saturday statement that its representative had held talks with CAR’s foreign minister by phone to reaffirm Russian support for the impoverished nation and its government’s efforts to guarantee election security.
Touadera, who is seeking re-election, has struggled to maintain stability in the divided country.
The government alleged an attempted coup after three of the powerful armed groups that control most of CAR’s territory began advancing towards the capital along main roads, a week before elections scheduled for December 27.
CAR's government spokesman insisted that the elections will be held as scheduled.
“There is no plan B. The elections will take place on December 27,” he added.
Earlier on Sunday, the Coalition of the Democratic Opposition (COD-2020) demanded the postponement of the vote "until the re-establishment of peace and security."
Uniting the key parties and movements opposed to Touadera, COD-2020 was until recently led by former President Francois Bozize, whom the government insisted Saturday was leading the rebel force amassing not far from the capital.
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