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The President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, announced on Saturday that he will stand in the December elections in the country devastated by more than seven years of civil war.
Touadera, 63, was elected in February 2016 with two-thirds of the vote, but has since fought to stop intercommunal violence in the poor, landlocked nation where militia groups control two-thirds of the territory.
“It is a great responsibility. A great responsibility. I accept being your candidate,” the head of state, who was expected to run for re-election, told members of his United Hearts Movement (MCU) party in the capital. Bangui.
Violence remains entrenched in the Central African Republic despite a peace agreement signed in February 2019 between the government and 14 armed groups, who often claim to defend the interests of specific communities or religions.
In 2013, Seleka, a rebel coalition made up mainly of the Muslim minority, overthrew then-President Francois Bozize, plunging the Central African Republic into a spiral of violence that has forced nearly a quarter of the country’s 4.7 million inhabitants. to flee their homes.
Bozize, who has been back in the Central African Republic for a year, will be Touadera’s main rival in the December 27 elections if his candidacy is validated.
Uncertainty remains as to whether the elections will be held on schedule, as there have been significant delays in organizing the elections, including voter registration.
