CAR Demonstrators Oppose President’s Third Term – and His Russian Mercenaries

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the Central African Republic’s capital over the weekend to denounce President Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s rumored plans to seek a third term and accuse his government of relying on Russian mercenaries to suppress dissent and cling to power, Africanews reported.

On Friday, around 5,000 demonstrators – many of them young people – marched in Bangui, waving banners reading “Stop the Third Term,” and chanting patriotic songs.

The demonstrations were organized by the Republican Bloc for the Defense of the Constitution (BRDC), making it one of the largest opposition-led protests in recent years.

The protests come amid growing speculation that Touadéra – whose second term is almost over – may seek to extend his time in office under a 2023 constitutional referendum passed with support from the Russian mercenary outfit, the Wagner Group. Opposition leaders have claimed the referendum paves the way for indefinite rule and undermines democratic norms.

The Central African Republic is one of the first countries in Africa where the Wagner Group established operations, the Associated Press noted.

Wagner fighters have served as presidential bodyguards and helped Touadéra retain control of Bangui during a 2021 rebel advance. Many protesters and opposition leaders have accused them of raping and killing indiscriminately, while adding that the mercenary group and the president have “trampled upon” the country’s sovereignty.

The demonstrations also underscored some of the government’s failures, including collapsing public services in education, health, and water access.

The BRDC has vowed to continue mobilizing in the coming weeks to block any third-term bid, warning of deeper unrest if Touadéra attempts to prolong his rule.