President Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic has clinched a third term in office, winning over 76% of the vote in a December election. His victory follows a 2023 constitutional referendum that removed presidential term limits. Touadera campaigned on improved security, backed by Russian mercenaries and Rwandan troops, alongside the peace deals Touadera signed with rebel groups. However, the opposition boycotted the vote and rejected the results, alleging widespread fraud, claims the government denies. While voting day passed without the major violence seen in 2020, analysts caution that security gains remain fragile despite the integration of some armed group leaders into the government. The Constitutional Court is expected to confirm the final results by January 20.
France24
