Russia’s ambitions in Africa: Central Africa as an experimental field

Thanks to gun gifts and shady security forces, Russia has risen to become the most influential foreign power in the Central African Republic. But according to UN experts, this also goes hand in hand with serious human rights violations.

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In Bangui, a city without modern cinemas, Africa’s probably best-attended film premiere of the year recently took place. 10,000 spectators streamed into the national stadium of the small Central African capital in mid-May. There was a huge screen on the field. A red carpet was laid out for the ministers, actors and senior military officials. The audience received free t-shirts.