They want to build a training centre for drone operators with Russia

Cited by the Radarafrica Touadera portal, in a discussion with the media, he said that cooperation with Moscow dates back to decades, but in fresh years it has intensified significantly, especially in the defence and safety sectors. The culmination of these relations was the invitation in 2018 of Russian mercenaries from Wagner's group to aid the army repel respective rebel groups and who focused on [robust gold mining and terrorizing the local population](https://defence24.pl/geopolitics/group-wagner-involved-in-crime-in-the-central African republic), according to reports of human rights organizations including Amnesty International.