Central African Republic: Elections in one of the world's poorest nations | DW News

Central African Republic Presidential & Legislative Elections - December 2025

Key Concepts:

• Constitutional Amendment: Alteration of the Central African Republic’s constitution to allow President Touadéra to seek a third term.
• Dual Nationality: The constitutional prohibition against presidential candidates holding dual citizenship, impacting Anicet Dologuélé.
• Rebel Groups & Peace Deals: Recent agreements between the government and three main rebel groups aimed at stabilizing the country.
• Bilateral Agreements: Partnerships with Russia and Rwanda contributing to increased security.
• UN Peacekeeping: Ongoing United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic.
• Failed State/Fragile State: Descriptions previously applied to the Central African Republic due to prolonged instability.

I. Political Context & Election Overview

The Central African Republic (CAR) held nationwide elections on December 28th, 2025, for president and lawmakers at all levels. These elections represent a significant challenge for a country still recovering from a decade of civil war, during which over a fifth of the population was displaced. The incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra is seeking a third term after a constitutional amendment allowed him to run again. However, some opposition parties are boycotting the election. The election is framed as a crucial step towards restoring order and stability in a nation previously described as a “failed state” or “on the brink of genocide.”

II. President Touadéra’s Platform & Assessment of Progress

President Touadéra’s campaign centers on his record of restoring state authority and improving security. He contrasts the current situation with the state of affairs in 2016, when, according to his account, there was no effective government control throughout the country, with internally displaced persons residing in public spaces like airports, mosques, churches, and schools. He asserts that the country is “gradually recovering” and “raising its head,” citing a shift in international perception away from the CAR being a failed state. He requests another opportunity to continue working with and serving the Central African people.

III. Opposition Candidate & Nationality Issue

The primary opposition candidate, Anicet Dologuélé, faced a significant hurdle: the CAR constitution prohibits individuals with dual nationality from running for president. Dologuélé was required to relinquish his French passport to qualify as a candidate. He defended this decision as a demonstration of his commitment to the country, stating, “I renounced my French nationality to run against the incumbent president… It means that I love my country. It means that I want to save my country.” He confidently predicted his victory, asserting that giving up the advantages of French citizenship was a sacrifice made to address the country’s difficulties.

IV. Citizen Perspectives & Aspirations

The report highlights the desire for peace and stability among the Central African population. Citizens expressed their civic duty to participate in the elections, hoping for a leader who will bring peace and end the cycle of violence. One citizen stated, “I already have my voter card which I will use to vote for the person who will bring us peace.” Another emphasized, “Whoever wins this election, we no longer want the sound of gunfire. We just want peace and stability in our country.”

V. Security Situation & International Involvement (Analysis by Lewis Mudge, Human Rights Watch)

Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch, provided an assessment of the security situation. While acknowledging that the election campaign was “broadly free and fair,” he noted concerns regarding a contentious 2023 constitutional referendum that enabled Touadéra’s third term bid and restrictions placed on opposition candidates. He emphasized the significant improvement in security compared to 2013 and 2020, when rebels were at the gates of Bangui. This improvement is attributed to bilateral agreements with Russia and Rwanda, UN peacekeeping efforts, and recent peace deals signed with three main rebel groups. However, Mudge cautioned that the sustainability of these peace deals remains a key question.

VI. Economic Challenges & Interdependence of Security & Development

Mudge underscored the inextricable link between security and economic development in the CAR, one of the world’s poorest nations. He stated that economic progress is impossible without a secure environment. He noted that everyone he spoke with in Bangui prioritized the question of whether the recent peace deals would hold. He predicted President Touadéra would win the election outright, but emphasized that the next term will be defined by his ability to consolidate security gains.

VII. Data & Statistics

• Population Displacement: Over a fifth of the population was displaced during the civil wars.
• Development Indices: The CAR consistently ranks among the lowest countries on all development indices.
• Timeline: The report references the situation in 2016, 2020, and 2023 as key points in the country’s recent history.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The 2025 elections in the Central African Republic represent a critical juncture for a nation striving to overcome a legacy of conflict and poverty. While President Touadéra campaigns on a platform of restored stability, the long-term success of his efforts hinges on the durability of recent peace agreements and the ability to address the underlying economic challenges. The election, despite some concerns regarding fairness and constitutional changes, appears to be proceeding relatively peacefully, but the ultimate outcome will determine the country’s trajectory for the next seven years. The citizens’ overwhelming desire for peace and stability underscores the importance of sustained security improvements as a prerequisite for broader development and progress.