Bangui, July 26, 2025 (Reuters/AP) — Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin‑Archange Touadéra, in power since 2016, has formally announced his candidacy for a third presidential term in the December 2025 general election. Touadéra’s declaration follows a 2023 constitutional referendum that removed term limits and extended the presidential term from five to seven years.
Constitutional Reforms and Political Backdrop
In July 2023, CAR held a referendum in which over 95% of voters approved a new constitution—even as major opposition parties and civil society called for a boycott amid claims that the process lacked transparency and legitimacy. The referendum cleared the constitutional hurdle to allow Touadéra to run again in 2025 and possibly beyond.
The Constitutional Court later validated the results on August 20–21, 2023, enabling implementation of the referendum-approved text.
Touadéra’s Re‑Entry into Election Race
The 68-year‑old leader addressed party members of his United Hearts Movement on July 26, declaring:
“Many of you have asked for me, and my answer is yes. I am your candidate for the presidential election of December 2025. We will continue the work of rebuilding our country.”
Under the new rules, his previous two terms will not count toward future eligibility, resetting the clock for fresh seven-year terms.
Domestic Opposition and Public Dissent
Thousands of Central Africans staged mass protests in April 2025, explicitly rejecting Touadéra’s bid for a third term and challenging the influence of the Russian Wagner Group, which has backed him militarily since 2018. Protestors—including leaders like Justin Winè and Martin Ziguélé—accuse the mercenary group of human rights abuses and demand Touadéra step aside to protect national sovereignty
Opposition figures argue the constitutional changes amount to a “life presidency,” eroding democratic institutions and suppressing political pluralism. Key constitutional figures, such as former court head Danièle Darlan, were forcibly removed after opposing the reform process.
Foreign Influence and Security Arrangements
Since 2020, the CAR has leaned heavily on Russian Wagner mercenaries and Rwandan troops for security and governance support. Wagner has been particularly influential in safeguarding the 2023 referendum and controlling access to key resource-rich zones. Analysts warn of growing foreign influence in domestic politics and economics.
Touadéra is often framed by critics as overly dependent on Wagner, earning the nickname "President Wagner" in sections of the international media.
Challenges Ahead to December Election
The national vote, scheduled for December 2025, will coincide with local and municipal elections—plans that were revised earlier this year after nearly four decades of delay for subnational polls. Opposition leaders face ongoing barriers to participation, with records of party bans, imprisonment of MPs, and allegations of repression during campaign season.
CAR remains economically poor despite being rich in gold, diamonds, and timber, and the country continues to suffer from instability, rebel insurgencies, and institutional fragility. Touadéra has defended the constitutional reforms as essential for national development and institutional stability, a claim rejected by many civil society groups amid fears of democratic backsliding.
Outlook
Touadéra’s third-term bid solidifies his control, underpinned by constitutional changes and external sponsorship. Yet persistent opposition protests, criticism over democratic erosion, and foreign influence in CAR’s internal affairs signal that his bid will remain deeply contested ahead of December’s pivotal vote.