Former CAR PM Denounces Passport Confiscation Amidst Political Tensions

Post by : Shakul

In a striking move against governmental authority, Anicet Georges Dologuélé, opposition leader and former Prime Minister of the Central African Republic, has condemned the seizure of his diplomatic passport as a severe transgression of power. This act has heightened the political climate in the nation, stirring alarms regarding democratic liberties and political rights.

Dologuélé reported being barred from a flight to Addis Ababa, where he was set to engage in discussions related to the African Union Peace Fund. Allegations assert that airport authorities informed him of a travel ban after his diplomatic passport was taken.

During a press conference in Bangui, he expressed deep dismay and said he felt “stateless” within his homeland, accusing the government of employing administrative tactics to suppress political adversaries.

From 1999 to 2001, Dologuélé served as Prime Minister and has since emerged as a key figure in the opposition. As a board member of the African Union Peace Fund since 2018, he is actively involved in regional stability discussions and international peace initiatives.

This latest political friction follows his recent challenge against President Faustin-Archange Touadéra in the recent presidential race. Dologuélé had renounced his French citizenship last year to meet constitutional requirements for candidacy.

He has continually voiced concerns about the electoral integrity, branding the results as unjust. Official statistics indicate he received only 13.1 percent of the votes, while President Touadéra secured re-election. Opposition factions persist in questioning the reliability of the electoral environment and the political landscape.

Dologuélé noted that the government has declined to issue him a standard passport subsequent to his renouncement of French citizenship. He maintained the use of his diplomatic passport due to the lack of a replacement.

Observers suggest this incident may further erode political freedoms in the Central African Republic. Numerous human rights organizations and international bodies have frequently voiced concerns regarding the treatment of opposition leaders and critics of the regime.

This development has drawn interest across Africa, considering Dologuélé was on official business with the African Union Peace Fund. Analysts believe the government may face increased scrutiny to justify its actions and clarify the status of Dologuélé's travel eligibility.

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