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President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic announced on Saturday that he will seek a third term in office in the upcoming December 2025 presidential election, following the abolition of term limits in 2023.
Speaking at a gathering of the ruling United Hearts Movement in the capital, Bangui, the 68-year-old declared, “Many of you have asked for me, and my answer is yes. I am your candidate for the presidential election of December 2025.” He added, “We will continue the work of rebuilding our country.”
Touadéra, who first came to power in 2016, has relied on external support to maintain control amid an ongoing civil conflict. In 2018, Russian Wagner Group mercenaries were deployed to bolster his government’s fight against armed groups.
Despite its wealth in natural resources such as gold, diamonds, and timber, the landlocked nation of around 5.5 million people remains one of the world’s poorest. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the Central African Republic has endured repeated instability, marked by coups and rebellions.
Touadéra was re-elected in 2020, but his victory was challenged by rebel groups, including the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), which continues to battle government forces. The national army, supported by United Nations peacekeepers, along with Russian and Rwandan troops, has been engaged in prolonged conflict with the insurgents.
Although Touadéra’s current term was initially set to be his last, a 2023 constitutional referendum removed the two-term presidential limit and extended the length of each term from five to seven years. The changes, which were approved by over 95% of voters, have sparked criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that the new constitution could allow Touadéra to remain in office indefinitely.
The official date for the December 2025 election has yet to be confirmed.
