The Africa Intelligence newspaper revealed that the United Arab Emirates has begun constructing an airport in the Birao region of the Central African Republic to supply the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia with military equipment.
The paper stated that Birao, the capital of Vakaga Province in the Central African Republic, is about 56 kilometers from the Sudanese town of Um Dafuq. The UAE plans to build a small airport there to bolster its military logistics presence near the Sudanese frontlines.
According to Emirati experts, the new site is intended to diversify their regional footprint and reduce reliance on the Umm Jaras Airport in northeastern Chad. Survey engineers reportedly began visiting the site and transporting equipment weeks ago.
The newspaper confirmed that the Birao airport is not intended to serve as a military base, but rather as a transit and staging area for equipment bound for Sudan.
Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra reportedly discussed the secret deal with UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan during a visit to Bangui at the end of November. Discussions continued in early March in Abu Dhabi between Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed and the defense ministers of both nations. A strategic military agreement was signed during the official visit, according to Africa Intelligence.
