Bangui, Central African Republic – July 27, 2025 – President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic (CAR) has officially declared his intention to seek a third term in office, following his endorsement as the presidential candidate of the ruling United Hearts Movement (MCU) party.
The announcement came during a national congress of the party held in the capital, Bangui, on Saturday. In his address, President Touadéra expressed gratitude to party members for their confidence in his leadership and vowed to continue working towards peace and development in the conflict-torn country.
A Controversial Path to Candidacy
Touadéra’s candidacy, once deemed constitutionally impossible, follows the controversial 2023 constitutional referendum, which abolished the country’s two-term presidential limit. The revised charter also extended the presidential mandate from five to seven years, effectively allowing the 68-year-old leader to remain in office beyond 2025.
The referendum, widely criticized by opposition parties and international observers, was marred by low voter turnout and allegations of irregularities. Despite this, the new constitution was adopted, paving the way for Touadéra’s third-term bid.
In his acceptance speech, the president justified his decision by citing the ongoing challenges facing the country, including insecurity, poverty, and institutional fragility. “I am responding to the call of the people and my party to continue the work we have started. Our mission is not yet complete,” Touadéra said.
Security Challenges and Foreign Military Support
Since first taking office in 2016, President Touadéra has struggled to assert state control over much of the Central African Republic, a nation rich in gold, diamonds, and timber but plagued by decades of political instability and armed conflict.
His government has faced resistance from numerous armed groups, including the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), an alliance of rebel forces that launched an offensive in 2020 aimed at halting the last election and toppling Touadéra’s government. Though the government ultimately prevailed, the conflict further destabilized the country and displaced thousands.
To counter rebel advances and maintain control, Touadéra’s administration has increasingly relied on external military assistance, notably from Russian mercenaries affiliated with the Wagner Group. The presence of these forces has drawn criticism from Western governments and human rights organizations, who accuse them of human rights violations and exploitative practices in mining regions.
Nevertheless, Touadéra has defended the alliance with Wagner as essential to restoring order and protecting state institutions. “Security is the foundation of development. We will not allow our nation to fall back into chaos,” he stated.
Political Landscape Ahead of the 2025 Elections
The political opposition in CAR has strongly condemned Touadéra’s third-term ambition, labeling it a power grab that undermines democratic principles. Several opposition parties have already pledged to boycott the upcoming polls unless electoral reforms and security guarantees are put in place.
Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, a leading opposition figure and former prime minister, described the president’s nomination as “an insult to the constitution and the sacrifices of the Central African people.” He called on the international community to closely monitor the situation to prevent further descent into authoritarianism.
Meanwhile, civil society groups have expressed concern about the fairness of the upcoming election, citing the prevailing atmosphere of intimidation, censorship, and shrinking civic space. Journalists, activists, and opposition supporters have reported increasing harassment and arbitrary arrests in recent months.
Despite the growing tension, no official date has been announced for the presidential, legislative, and local elections, which are expected to take place in December 2025. The country’s electoral commission has promised to release a detailed calendar in the coming weeks.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the Central African Republic has endured a tumultuous political history characterized by coups, rebellions, and weak governance. With Touadéra now seeking to extend his rule beyond a decade, many observers fear that the country could slide further into autocracy.
However, some supporters argue that the president’s leadership has brought relative stability and development gains in certain areas, including infrastructure, health, and education. “He is a leader who understands the realities of our country. We need continuity to complete what we have started,” said Marie-Claire Douamba, a delegate at the MCU congress.
Others, including regional analysts, caution that Touadéra’s third-term bid could reignite old conflicts and deepen the nation’s humanitarian crisis, which currently affects more than half of the population. According to the United Nations, over 3.4 million people in CAR require humanitarian assistance, and nearly 750,000 remain displaced within the country or as refugees in neighboring states.
International Reactions
Reactions from the international community have so far been muted, though observers from the African Union, European Union, and United Nations have repeatedly urged the government to uphold democratic norms and ensure inclusive, transparent elections.
The United States and France, both longtime partners of CAR, have expressed concern over the erosion of term limits across Africa, warning that such trends could lead to prolonged instability. However, neither has taken direct action in response to Touadéra’s third-term announcement.
What Lies Ahead
With tensions mounting and no clear timeline for the December polls, the Central African Republic finds itself at a critical juncture. Whether Touadéra’s bid will secure broad national support or further fracture the country remains to be seen.
For now, all eyes remain on Bangui as citizens, opposition forces, and the international community await the next steps in the country’s deeply contested political journey.
Africa Live News will continue to provide in-depth coverage of the Central African Republic’s 2025 electoral process and its implications for regional stability and democratic governance.
