Russian influence in Central African Republic on show at beauty contest
▶ Kremlin funding signals bid to boost presence in former French colony, using soft and hard power
Clad in sleek red gowns, the smiling models lined up in Bangui Stadium for the first Miss Central African Republic beauty pageant for three years – thanks to Russia.
In a country mired in conflict and poverty, the flash of cameras capturing the moment a young woman was crowned the nation’s glamour queen was a moment to savour.
But for western observers, the contest also marked the latest subtle shift in a regional power dynamic. In their eyes, Russia’s funding of the event was a sign of its attempts to boost its influence in the former French colony, using soft power and military aid.
In the capital’s crumbling 20,000-seat main stadium at the weekend, about 100 people – mostly state officials and the families of contestants – watched the women parade in high heels alongside Russian flags on the venue’s walls.
Lobaye Invest, a diamond mining company reportedly close to the Kremlin, featured prominently on the billboards of event sponsors.
“To our dear friends from Russia, we wish to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the support you are bringing to every level of our society,” said the show’s producer, Lea Floride Mokodopo, before welcoming Miss Russia 2013 Elmira Abdrazakova.
Russia’s influence in the country has been growing since the UN-backed government last year called for help to fight militias.
Moscow supplied weapons, officers, 170 military “trainers” and a security adviser to work with President Faustin-Archange Touadera. It was a significant mission to a country that already has EU and UN aid.
The trainers sent by Moscow are mercenaries with close ties to Russian mining companies and their numbers could be significantly higher, western sources say.
Miss Russia 2013 presented a cheque for 5 million West African francs (Dh31,500) to support a local health centre and made a speech referring to Moscow’s political influence in the country.
“The recently signed Khartoum declaration is a pledge of peace,” Ms Abdrazakova said.
Initiated by Moscow in August, the declaration came after Russia and Sudan hosted talks in the Sudanese capital with some of the Central African Republic’s rival militias.
The talks took place apart from an African Union initiative, with both trying to convince the country’s rival groups to end the violence after the 2013 overthrow of longtime leader Francois Bozize.
Most of the country is controlled by armed groups, many of which claim to protect Christian or Muslim communities. They often fight over resources including gold, copper, iron ore and uranium.
In a sign of western wariness towards Russia’s actions, France’s Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly on Tuesday stressed the importance of countries working with the African Union in the republic.
“The positive contribution by a number of countries, including Russia, should be in line with the African initiative for peace supported by the AU,” Ms Parly said.
She was in Bangui for ceremonies in which France handed over 1,400 Kalashnikov assault rifles and three amphibious vehicles to the country’s poorly equipped army.
The French-supplied weapons follow 1,700 Kalashnikovs provided by Russia in January.
Both shipments were approved by a UN panel that issues exemptions to a global arms embargo against the country.
Russia has dismissed concerns about its role there.
On November 15, Russian deputy ambassador Dmitry Polyanski told France to put aside “parochial national interests” and acknowledge that Moscow was helping the republic.
Student Charlene Sombo, 23, was crowned “Miss Centrafrique” after midnight on Sunday and the speeches thanking Russia for its help could be heard on radios broadcasting across the capital.
Through simple goodwill or part of a broader initiative for prestige and influence, Russia this year also staged a “Cup of Hope” football tournament and organised a drawing and poetry competition for local children.
The prize was a trip to Russia and the chance to stay in a former holiday camp for Communist youths.