Central African Republic’s President Touadera Seeks Third Term Amid Russia Ties and Economic Struggles

Post by : Saif Nasser

Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera is seeking a controversial third term in office as voters head to the polls this weekend, following nearly ten years of rule marked by foreign security support, fragile peace, and slow economic progress.

Touadera, 68, came to power in 2016 at a time when the country was deeply unstable. Armed groups controlled large areas, roads were unsafe, and the government struggled to function outside the capital. Since then, he has relied heavily on foreign allies, especially Russia and Rwanda, to help restore basic security.

In 2023, Touadera oversaw a constitutional referendum that removed presidential term limits. This change cleared the legal path for him to run again, a move that critics say weakened democracy in a country with a long history of political instability. Supporters argue the change was needed to maintain stability during a fragile recovery.

One of Touadera’s most notable decisions was bringing in Russian security forces in 2018, including Wagner mercenaries. Central African Republic became the first country in the region to take this step, later followed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In exchange for security support, Russia gained access to gold and other natural resources.

Touadera has also tried to present himself as a modern and innovative leader. In 2022, Central African Republic became the first African nation to adopt bitcoin as legal tender. More recently, the government signed a deal to introduce Starlink satellite internet, promising better digital access in a country where infrastructure remains weak.

At campaign rallies, Touadera highlights improvements in security. He tells supporters that travel has become safer and that violence has reduced compared to a decade ago. Rwanda’s troops still help protect key areas, and peace deals signed this year with several rebel groups have lowered fighting in some regions. These gains have helped economic growth rise to around 3%, according to international estimates.

However, many analysts warn that the calm is fragile. Rebel groups have not fully disarmed, reintegration programs remain incomplete, and violence from neighboring Sudan continues to affect eastern areas. Human rights groups have accused foreign fighters, including Russian mercenaries, of serious abuses such as torture and executions.

Security remains the main concern for voters. Many citizens say they want peace, roads, and basic services. Yet daily life remains extremely hard. Two-thirds of the population lives in extreme poverty, and unemployment among young people is widespread.

Russia’s support has also come at a high price. Studies estimate that Russian-linked groups have earned billions of dollars from African gold, including in Central African Republic. Touadera’s push into cryptocurrency projects has raised concerns about corruption and exposure to criminal networks.

Despite promising investment, mining remains largely illegal and dangerous. Kidnappings and extortion are common, and even foreign governments have warned their citizens about serious risks in the sector. Economic reforms have so far failed to bring meaningful relief to most families.

Most analysts believe Touadera is likely to win, helped by strong state resources and weak opposition campaigns. Still, the election highlights a larger question facing the country: whether stability built on foreign forces and resource deals can truly deliver peace, jobs, and dignity to ordinary people.