In a pivotal political development in Sub-Saharan Africa, Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has secured a third term in office, winning 76.15 percent of the vote in the December 28, 2025 presidential election according to provisional results released late Monday, a result that was made public within the last 24 hours. Touadéra, 68, who first came to power in 2016 and extended his eligibility through a 2023 constitutional referendum that abolished term limits, ran on a platform emphasizing improved national security following years of internal conflict and peace deals with various rebel factions. Voter turnout was reported at approximately 52.42 percent, and major opposition parties, including the BRDC coalition, boycotted the election, alleging an uneven political environment and raising allegations of fraud. Key challengers like former prime minister Anicet-Georges Dologuélé rejected the outcome, claiming manipulation. The election’s provisional nature means the final results await confirmation by the Constitutional Court by January 20. Touadéra’s continued presidency is expected to sustain strong Russian influence through mercenary support while he also signals openness to Western investment in CAR’s significant mineral resources. Political stability remains tenuous in the resource-rich but conflict-scarred nation.
State fragility and neo-colonialism are two reasons why the Central African Republic’s political situation has been so controversial as of recently. State fragility has to do with the growing animosity between different political parties and the corruption within the country. Political hegemony and hard power within the CAR have both been at stake, as each party is trying to gain the most control in a flawed democracy. The several disadvantages of Touadera’s government have to do with inefficiencies in the management of natural resources, economy, social equity programs and mismanagement of infrastructure. This has caused a growing anti-Touadera sentiment in the CAR’s population. This election essentially reeks of corruption. Neo colonialism has also historically disadvantaged this country as its borders were decided on in the Berlin Conference of 1886 which has also put neighboring countries like it at a severe disadvantage when it comes to development. All in all, the situation in the CAR is progressively getting worse as the country starts drifting away from its democracy and headed for a dictatorial unitarian state.