The Republican Bloc for the Defence of the Constitution (BRDC) is demanding clarity on the management of the purported 30,000 tons of diesel donated by Russia to the Central African Republic (CAR).
Martin Ziguélé, president of the MLPC and spokesperson for the BRDC, raises concerns about the absence of this donation in the national budget, especially since it was made several months ago, prior to the budget’s approval.
He speculates that the fuel might be sold in Cameroon, as SOCAPS does not have the capacity to accommodate such a substantial quantity.
The BRDC asserts that any revenue generated from the sale of this Russian donation should be incorporated into the State’s financial operations and utilized to address cash flow requirements.
Ziguélé highlights that the Central African government is compelled to take on high-interest debt to fund its activities. The BRDC claims that the management of this alleged Russian donation is not transparent.
Ziguélé notes that the donation was only acknowledged after President Putin mentioned it during President Touadéra’s recent trip to Moscow, and he, as a member of the finance committee, has not received any formal communication regarding the donation.
Sources with knowledge of the situation indicate that this alleged Russian donation is part of a broader strategy.
Reports suggest that the Central African government is selling Russian fuel within the CAR at prices significantly above the market rate through a Cameroonian shell company
This recent fuel delivery is intended to fulfill two objectives: to fuel heavy machinery used in mining operations by Russian entities and to generate revenue through sales.
This scenario mirrors the contentious issue surrounding the 50,000 tons of Russian grain, where the financial tracking remained ambiguous.
Moscow’s declaration of a “donation” appears to be a strategy aimed at mitigating scrutiny over these activities while obscuring their genuine commercial and strategic motives.
The government has not yet disclosed specifics regarding the quantity and administration of this donation, which has been effective since 2024.
