President Faustin Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic has officially announced his candidacy for a third term, following his nomination by the United Hearts Movement on Saturday. This move comes after a controversial 2023 referendum that scrapped the two term presidential limit and extended each term from five to seven years.
Touadera, who has been in power since 2016, previously secured a second term in 2020 despite challenges from rebel factions such as the Coalition of Patriots for Change. His tenure has been marked by ongoing violence and reliance on external support, including Russian Wagner Group mercenaries, to retain control.
The mineral rich Central African Republic has long been plagued by political upheaval, enduring coups and rebel uprisings since gaining independence from France in 1960. A date has yet to be announced for December’s scheduled general elections.
