In the heart of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), a storm is brewing. On April 4, 2025, thousands of citizens flooded the streets, their voices unified in opposition to President Faustin Archange Touadéra’s audacious plan to seek a third term. But the dissent didn’t stop there. The demonstrators also cast a glaring spotlight on the controversial presence of the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, whose influence in the nation has become a lightning rod for criticism.
The protest, orchestrated by a coalition of opposition parties, underscores a growing unease among Central Africans. Many perceive Touadéra’s bid for extended power as a blatant overreach, a maneuver that threatens the democratic fabric of the nation.
“We’re here to say no to a third term for Faustin Archange Touadéra,” declared Justin Winè, a prominent opposition figure. “But more than that, we want to protect our sovereignty, which Touadéra and the Wagner have trampled upon.”
The Wagner Group’s entanglement in CAR’s affairs is no secret. Initially invited to bolster the government’s fight against rebel factions, their role has since morphed into something far more pervasive. Beyond the battlefield, Wagner operatives have been implicated in a slew of human rights abuses, including allegations of rape and extrajudicial killings. Such actions have ignited international condemnation and fueled domestic resentment.
“The Wagner have raped and killed without any justice. This is not normal,” Winè emphasized. “To put an end to their reign, Touadéra must go.”
CAR’s tumultuous history is marked by a series of conflicts that have left the nation scarred and fragmented. Since the ousting of President François Bozizé in 2013 by predominantly Muslim rebels, the country has grappled with relentless instability. Efforts to broker peace, such as the 2019 agreement with various armed groups, have largely faltered, with key factions withdrawing and resuming hostilities.
In this volatile context, Wagner’s involvement has been a double-edged sword. While some credit the mercenaries with preventing rebel advances on Bangui in 2021, their heavy-handed tactics and opaque operations have sown seeds of discord. The group’s activities have not only strained CAR’s internal dynamics but have also drawn the ire of international actors. The United States, for instance, has imposed sanctions on entities linked to Wagner in CAR, aiming to “counter Russia’s destabilizing activities in Africa.”
The timing of Touadéra’s third-term ambition is particularly contentious. Having secured a constitutional referendum in July 2023—widely viewed as a maneuver to extend his grip on power indefinitely—Touadéra’s latest move is seen by many as the culmination of a calculated power consolidation strategy. Opposition voices argue that this trajectory undermines democratic principles and further entangles CAR in foreign interests that do not align with the nation’s welfare.
Martin Ziguélé, another opposition stalwart, lauded the youth’s mobilization during the protests, interpreting it as a clarion call for constitutional integrity and national sovereignty.
The international community watches with bated breath as CAR teeters on the precipice of deeper unrest. The convergence of internal dissent against Touadéra’s political maneuvers and the external pressures stemming from Wagner’s contentious presence paints a complex tableau. For the citizens of CAR, the path forward is fraught with challenges. Yet, their collective voice, echoing through the streets of Bangui, signals an unwavering demand for a future defined by genuine democracy and self-determination. As the dust settles from the recent protests, one thing remains clear: the Central African Republic stands at a crossroads, with its people determined to steer the nation toward a horizon of hope, free from the shadows of autocracy and foreign manipulation
