Published on 1 July 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Central African Republic

Bilateral relations between the Central African Republic and Switzerland are good and focus in particular on humanitarian aid.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

In line with its Africa Strategy 2025–2028, Switzerland maintains good relations with the Central African Republic.

Switzerland has had a humanitarian office in the capital, Bangui, since 2022.

Treaty database

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Researchers and artists who are citizens of the Central African Republic can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)

Peacebuilding and human security

Promoting peace and security is one of the priorities of the Africa Strategy 2025–2028. In the Central African Republic, Switzerland is focusing in particular on the area of transitional justice, and is seconding Swiss judges to the Central African Special Criminal Court (Cour pénale spéciale, CPS).

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

Switzerland has taken part in multilateral debt relief programmes for the Central African Republic and has been providing humanitarian aid since 2013. As part of the current cooperation programme for 2026 to 2029, it focuses in particular on the protection of the civilian population, the improvement of basic services, and peace and reconciliation.

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid in the Central African Republic

Swiss Cooperation Programme for the Central African Republic 2026–2029 (French)

Swiss citizens in the Central African Republic

According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, there were ten Swiss citizens living in the Central African Republic and 65 Central Africans living in Switzerland at the end of 2024.

History of bilateral relations

The Federal Council recognised the independence of the Central African Republic on 13 August 1960 and established diplomatic relations in 1964. In 1973, the two countries concluded an agreement on investment promotion and protection and another on civil aviation. In 2019 Federal Councillor Alain Berset paid an official visit to the Central African Republic and in 2022 Switzerland opened a humanitarian office in Bangui.

Central African Republic, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Diplomatic documents of Switzerland, Dodis

Documents

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