Central African Republic Votes as Touadera Seeks Third Term

Voters in the Central African Republic cast their ballots on March 17, 2024, in a significant election that includes both a presidential race and parliamentary contests. Incumbent President Faustin Archange Touadera is poised to secure a third term, bolstered by his alliance with Russian mercenaries, particularly the Wagner Group, as he attempts to stabilize a nation long marred by conflict.

Touadera’s government has leaned heavily on Russian support since he first took office, with Moscow providing military assistance to combat armed groups and bolster the nation’s security. Analysts suggest that a victory for Touadera would further entrench Russia’s influence in the region, which has faced increasing scrutiny over the activities of its mercenary forces in Africa.

Election Context and Challenges

The Central African Republic is among the first African nations to welcome Russian-backed forces. These forces were initially introduced to protect the government and assist in fighting insurgent groups. Yet, tensions have surfaced over Moscow’s recent push to replace the Wagner Group with a new military unit, Africa Corps.

Approximately 2.4 million voters are registered for this election cycle, which marks a pivotal moment as it includes presidential, legislative, regional, and local elections—all taking place for the first time in decades. Touadera faces competition from six challengers, including notable opposition candidates Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra, both of whom have held the position of prime minister in the past.

Despite the opposition, analysts consider Touadera the frontrunner, citing his consolidation of power within state institutions over recent years. His campaign focuses on promises of peace, stability, and economic recovery for the nation, which has a population of around 5.5 million people that has endured years of internal strife.

Security and Stability Concerns

The Central African Republic has been plagued by violence since 2013 when predominantly Muslim rebels overthrew then-President François Bozizé. Although a peace agreement was reached in 2019, persistent fighting remains a significant issue, with many of the armed groups that signed the deal later withdrawing.

“Our country has suffered greatly from brutal regime changes, a cycle that repeats itself every ten years. I call on the people of the Central African Republic to choose the stability of institutions and a prosperous Central African Republic,”

Touadera stated in a recent interview with the Associated Press.

His closest rival, Dologuele, who has previously contested the presidential elections in 2016 and 2020, advocates for a platform aimed at economic recovery and sustained peace. He contends that the current administration has failed to address the nation’s economic challenges, declaring, “President Touadera destroyed everything. Our programme is a solid summary to get the country out of poverty. What country is this that produces nothing and exports almost nothing, except beer? We must revive the economy.”

For many voters, security remains the paramount issue. The United Nations peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, has been active in the Central African Republic since 2014, currently deploying around 14,000 military personnel and 3,000 police officers to ensure the safety of election sites. Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch, noted, “Because of the peace deals, United Nations peacekeeping efforts, and security support from Wagner and from the Rwandans, the country is in a more secure place than it was during the last electoral cycle in 2020.”

As the election unfolds, the outcome will not only shape the political landscape of the Central African Republic but also influence the strategic interests of foreign powers within the region. For many citizens, the hope for lasting peace and economic stability hinges on the choices made at the ballot box.