Over the weekend, President William Ruto of Kenya travelled to the Central African Republic for a full day of talks with President Faustin Archange Touadera in Bangui.
Touadera commended him for traveling to Bangui, noting that it was the first time a head of state from Kenya had ever been to the nation. “It is a real honour for the Central African Republic and opens up good prospects for cooperation between our two countries. I think this is the first time that a Kenyan president has visited the CAR, and I don’t think it will be the last,” he said.
President Ruto, accompanied by his spouse, commended President Touadera’s efforts to gradually restore peace to the nation that has been beset by violence since 2013. “Under your leadership we have seen stability, we have seen peace and we are witnessing progress. And for that, your excellency, on behalf of the people of our region, I want to say congratulations, and you have my support,” he said.
Ruto praised the CAR people’s tenacity throughout the historic 24-hour visit and expressed his hope that this was the beginning of a real rapprochement that would foster cooperation that would benefit both nations.
“This inaugural visit opens a big door for us to explore the possibilities that exist between Kenya and the Central African Republic. As you have said correctly, we have huge potential in agriculture, and I have agreed with you that we are going to work with our farmers, bring agricultural experts to work with your people here, for technology transfer,” he said.
Kenya is anticipated to play a significant role in the CAR’s energy transition as well.
