**French Foreign Minister's Historic Visit to Central African Republic Thaws Relations** In a major diplomatic move, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has landed in the Central African Republic (CAR) on a two-day visit, marking the first time a French top diplomat has visited the country in more than seven years. This development is significant as it signals a warming of relations between Paris and Bangui after a period of tension. Barrot arrived in Bangui on Thursday and is scheduled to meet with President Faustin-Archange Touadéra on Friday. This trip is part of a broader effort to revive ties that cooled in recent years due to Russia's increasing influence in the resource-rich country. This thawing of relations follows Touadéra's visit to Paris in April 2024, where he and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on a road map to resetting relations. During his stay, Barrot will also meet with Prime Minister Félix Moloua and Foreign Minister Sylvie Notéfé. He will visit the European Union Training Mission, which trains the CAR's armed forces, as well as Minusca, the United Nations peacekeeping mission deployed in the country. Interestingly, Barrot's visit coincides with a significant development in the country. He officially inaugurated the new headquarters of the Movement of Survivors of the Central African Republic (Mosuca), an organisation that defends the rights of victims of sexual violence. The building, named after the late French politician and women's rights campaigner Simone Veil, is a testament to France's commitment to supporting the rights of women in the CAR. Mosuca's activities range from documenting cases of conflict-related sexual violence to providing training and launching programmes aimed at helping survivors build economic independence. The organisation has been working tirelessly to support victims of sexual violence, and France's support is a welcome development. As Nigeria continues to navigate its own complex relationships with its neighbours and international partners, the French Foreign Minister's visit to the Central African Republic serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in promoting peace and development in Africa.