Touadera sworn in for third term in Central African Republic

Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadera on Monday pledged to buttress security and peace as he was sworn in for a third term in one of the world’s poorest and most volatile countries. In office since 2016, Touadera was re-elected with 77.90 per cent of the vote in a December ballot contested by the opposition and […]

Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadera on Monday pledged to buttress security and peace as he was sworn in for a third term in one of the world’s poorest and most volatile countries.
In office since 2016, Touadera was re-elected with 77.90 per cent of the vote in a December ballot contested by the opposition and main rival Anicet George Dologuele, who alleged massive fraud.
The inauguration took place in front of some 20,000 spectators at a stadium in the capital Bangui in the presence of Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who holds the rotating presidency of the African Union, and the leaders of Congo, Gabon and the Comoros.
Critics call the 68-year-old mathematician “President Wagner” after the Russian private military company that provides Touadera’s security and supports his army against rebel groups.
After maintaining influence and soldiers in the CAR following independence in 1960, France has gradually lost ground to Russia in the mineral-rich country.
It is seeking to woo CAR, which has now become a key Russian ally. President Emmanuel Macron and Touadera relaunched diplomatic ties in 2024 following a falling-out over Moscow’s influence.
In the face of the CAR’s long-standing instability, Touadera has increasingly relied on Wagner mercenaries who benefit in return from lucrative contracts in the gold, diamond and logging industries.
Touadera said in a speech after his investiture that he wanted to “consolidate peace, security, reconciliation, and national unity”.
CAR’s new constitution, adopted by referendum in 2023, allowed Touadera to stand again for a third straight term.