Central African Republic

Political relations

France is the only European Union country with an Embassy in Bangui (where the EU also has a delegation). On the strength of its long-standing, strong relationship with the Central African Republic, France continues to support its elected authorities in their efforts to stabilize and sustainably develop the country. Multilaterally, France has fully supported the work of ECCAS and the AU and is working within the framework of the United Nations Security Council. Within the EU, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the European Commission instigated the creation of the first European development multi-donor fund for emergencies and development, the Bêkou Trust Fund, in July 2014, making it possible to swiftly adopt and implement projects in the sectors of health, food security, urban infrastructure and economic and social recovery. It is currently financed to the level of €226 million.

Lastly, France supports the Central African Republic vis-à-vis international financial institutions (obtaining the completion point of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative in 2009, and an IMF Extended Credit Facility, Peacebuilding Commission, etc.).

Economic relations

Commercial relations between France and the Central African Republic suffered from the crisis. Trade remains limited and there are few French companies, but France, which has a long-standing presence in many sectors, remains the leading investor in the country. Despite successive crises and sometimes heavy financial losses, there are currently over 20 French companies based in the CAR in structuring sectors such as Orange, Air France, Bolloré (logistics and river freight), Castel (drinks and sugar), Somdiaa (sugar), Total (storage and distribution of oil products). They make a considerable contribution to the national economy.