Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has claimed a third term in office, winning 76% of votes in last month’s presidential election, according to provisional results released Monday by the country’s election authority.
The 68-year-old former mathematics professor had been widely expected to secure victory in the December 28 vote after the main opposition coalition boycotted the election, citing concerns over fairness.
Over 2.4 million voters were registered for the poll, which observers described as largely peaceful, despite delays caused by late delivery of voting materials and problems with the electoral register.
Touadéra ran on his record of improving security in a country that has faced persistent instability since rebels seized power in 2013. During this period, the government enlisted support from Russian mercenaries and Rwandan forces to maintain control.
The president has faced criticism after a 2023 constitutional amendment removed presidential term limits, allowing him to run again.
His nearest challengers, former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra, received 15% and 3% of the votes, respectively. Both have rejected the results, alleging widespread irregularities and calling for the election to be annulled. Dologuélé accused authorities of a “methodical attempt to manipulate” the outcome.
The main opposition coalition, known as BRDC, had boycotted the election, arguing that it was unlikely to be free and fair. The government has denied these allegations. The Constitutional Court has until January 20 to rule on any legal challenges and confirm the final results.
The CAR remains one of Africa’s poorest and most fragile nations, despite rich deposits of diamonds and uranium. The UN estimates that about half of the population relies on humanitarian assistance.
Since 2013, the country has struggled with armed conflict after rebels ousted former President François Bozizé. A 2019 peace agreement with 14 armed groups helped reduce violence, though six groups later withdrew.
Analysts suggest Touadéra’s re-election could further consolidate Russia’s influence in the country. Moscow has provided security support, including the deployment of mercenaries from the Wagner Group, in exchange for access to resources such as gold and diamonds. CAR was among the first African nations where Wagner operatives became active, offering protection to Touadéra’s government.
