President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic has officially declared his intention to seek a third term in office. The 68-year-old leader made the announcement Saturday during a gathering of his ruling party, the United Hearts Movement, in the capital, Bangui.
“Many of you have asked for me, and my answer is yes,” President Touadéra told party supporters. “I am your candidate for the presidential election of December 2025. We will continue the work of rebuilding our country.”
Touadéra’s announcement sets the stage for what could be a deeply contested election later this year. His bid comes after a controversial constitutional overhaul in 2023, which eliminated term limits and extended presidential mandates from five to seven years. The reform was approved by over 95% of voters in a referendum boycotted by most opposition groups and criticized by civil society organizations, who fear it paves the way for indefinite rule.
President Touadéra first took office in 2016, during a time of ongoing civil strife. To retain power and combat armed opposition forces, he has turned to external military assistance, including Russian Wagner Group mercenaries who entered the country in 2018 to bolster government forces. The country’s military has also received support from United Nations peacekeepers and troops from Rwanda.
Despite its vast wealth in gold, diamonds, and timber, the Central African Republic remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, it has endured repeated coups, rebellions, and violent unrest.
Touadéra was re-elected in 2020, though that result was disputed by rebel factions, particularly the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), which continues to challenge his government. Military clashes with the CPC have persisted for years.
As of now, the exact date of the December 2025 election has yet to be confirmed. If successful, President Touadéra would extend his leadership well into a second decade.
We will continue to monitor developments from Bangui and across the region.
Reporting by Ehud Jones.
