Russian instructors repairing key transport link in African state (PHOTO/VIDEO)

Restoration works have already reduced travel times, improving trade and daily life across the region, CAR’s residents have told RT

Russian military instructors have begun repairing a damaged section of a key transport corridor in the Central African Republic (CAR). The works are focused on a stretch of road about 25 km from the town of Ippy, where the route had become largely impassable.

Local sources told RT on Tuesday that a mobile engineering unit was deployed after an assessment of the road’s condition. Heavy machinery is being used to clear debris, remove fallen trees, and reinforce the surface.

The Bambari-Ippy road is a key transport corridor in Ouaka Prefecture, linking remote villages with regional trade hubs, including Bria. The damaged road has slowed the movement of goods and passengers, affecting local markets and supply chains.

Residents say the repairs are already reducing travel times. A street vendor from the village of Endikami said traders previously needed two to three days to reach Ippy because of the state of the road.

“But today ... we can reach Ippy or even Bria in just one day to conduct trade,” he told RT, thanking the instructors for the work.

Herders near Ippy also reported improvements. They said damaged roads had complicated access to pastures. According to them, the restoration of the road has “made their daily life easier.”

Local official said roads are essential for supplying the country and noted that people had stopped using the Bambari-Ippy section because of its condition. The workers have cleared obstructions, uprooted trees, and widened parts of the road by reinforcing embankments, he stated.

Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his CAR counterpart, Faustin-Archange Touadera, held a telephone conversation during which they confirmed their intention to continue developing “friendly bilateral ties” in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres.

READ MORE: Russia contributed to restoration of peace in CAR – president

Speaking to RT, Touadera highlighted that Russian instructors have contributed to disarming militant groups, expanding the CAR’s national armed forces, and provided training that has strengthened the country’s defense capabilities.