Mass Protest Against Touadéra’s Third-Term: Thousands of citizens flood the streets in a powerful stand against constitutional manipulation
Bangui, Central African Republic — In a powerful and unified display of civil resistance, thousands of citizens participated in a mass protest against Touadéra’s third-term bid this week, sending a clear message of disapproval to the government. Organized by opposition leaders and civic groups, the demonstration has become the largest political protest seen in Bangui in recent years.
Youth-Led Mass Protest Against Touadéra’s Third-Term Bid Gains Momentum
With chants of the national anthem and banners that read “Stop the Third Term,” nearly 5,000 demonstrators marched in unity from Jackson Bridge to the iconic Boganda Monument. The mass protest against Touadéra’s third-term bid was notably driven by the country’s youth, who formed the majority of the attendees.
Martin Ziguélé, head of the Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People (MLPC) and a senior figure in the Republican Bloc for the Defense of the Constitution (BRDC), hailed the protest as a historic show of resistance.
“Ninety percent of those who marched were youth,” Ziguélé said. “They’re aware of their future and are saying no to intimidation and foreign-backed manipulation.”
Opposition Accuses Touadéra of Manipulating Public Sentiment
Critics of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra argue that his administration is using state resources and propaganda to falsely claim popular support for a constitutional amendment that would allow him to run for a third term.
“This is not what the people want,” Ziguélé added. “It’s what he wants. But Central Africans are waking up.”
Touadéra, currently serving his second term, has yet to officially announce his candidacy for a third term. However, the growing political maneuvering, including whispers of a constitutional referendum, has sparked nationwide concern.
Protesters Highlight Broader Failures Beyond Term Limits
While the mass protest against Touadéra’s third-term bid focused on presidential overreach, demonstrators also used the platform to speak out against deteriorating living conditions.
Samson Ngaïbona, Secretary-General of the Citizens’ Patriotic Union for Development (PCUD), slammed the administration for failing to fix basic services.
“Education is in crisis—even in the capital. ‘Parent-teachers’ still fill classrooms because of the teacher shortage,” he said. “And yet, the government is full of professors and educators. What happened to their promises?”
Access to clean water, quality healthcare, and functioning schools remain out of reach for many Central Africans, adding fuel to the growing frustration.
Foreign Interference Raises Tensions
Another significant flashpoint during the protest was the role of foreign mercenaries, particularly the Russian Wagner Group. Protesters and opposition leaders condemned the government’s reliance on these forces to maintain power.
“This machine of pressure—made up of Russians, Wagner, and mercenaries—cannot silence the voice of our people,” said Ziguélé.
The Wagner Group, long suspected of propping up the Touadéra regime through military support, has become a symbol of foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs.
BRDC Vows Continued Resistance
The Republican Bloc for the Defense of the Constitution (BRDC), which brings together multiple opposition parties, civil society organizations, and youth movements, says this is just the beginning.
“We will not stop,” said Ngaïbona. “We will keep mobilizing. The streets will speak until Touadéra listens.”
The BRDC has announced plans for more demonstrations in the coming weeks and months, aiming to increase domestic and international pressure on the government.
Could the Third-Term Bid Spark Wider Unrest?
Analysts warn that attempts to bypass constitutional term limits could plunge the country into deeper instability. The Central African Republic already faces severe humanitarian challenges, with over half the population requiring aid, according to UN reports.
The mass protest against Touadéra’s third-term bid has opened a new chapter in the country’s political narrative, one driven by civic awareness and the determination to safeguard democratic principles.
