President Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic has officially announced his candidacy for a third term in office. The declaration came on Saturday following his nomination by the United Hearts Movement, the political party he leads.
Touadera was previously limited to two terms, but a 2023 constitutional referendum removed term limits and extended the presidential mandate from five to seven years. He was first elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, though his second victory was heavily contested by rebel groups, including the Coalition of Patriots for Change.
Throughout his presidency, the 68-year-old leader has relied on foreign military support to maintain control, most notably Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, as the country continues to struggle with insecurity and armed conflict.
Despite its wealth in natural resources, the Central African Republic has faced decades of political instability, marked by coups, rebellions, and contested elections since gaining independence from France in 1960.
Authorities have yet to confirm the exact date for presidential, legislative, and local elections, which are expected to take place in December.
