Central African Republic leader cleared for third term in key vote followed closely by Russia

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — The top court in the Central African Republic on Friday cleared President Faustin Archange Touadera to run in December’s election, a contest that will unfold amid a deepening security crisis and the leader’s growing reliance on Russia for protection.

The Central African Republic’s constitutional court approved Touadera’s candidacy alongside prominent opposition leader Anicet Georges Dologuélé and five other candidates for the December 28 vote. Touadera, who has led the country since 2016 and was reelected in 2021, is one of Russia’s closest allies in Africa.

The Central African Republic is one of the first countries where the Russian mercenary group Wagner established operations, pledging to fight rebel groups and restore peace. However, disagreements around the nature of Russia’s military presence have cast a shadow over the country’s relations with Moscow.

In August, state and military officials told The Associated Press that Russia requested the country replace the private Wagner mercenary group with Moscow’s state-run Africa Corps and sought payment for further security services. The Central African Republic’s government has been reluctant to agree to these demands, as it views Wagner as more effective and prefers to pay for services with minerals rather than cash.

For years, Wagner has protected Touadera and his government, helping him secure a 2023 constitutional referendum that could extend his power indefinitely. In exchange, Wagner has gained access to the country’s rich mineral resources, including gold.

The Central African Republic has been embroiled in conflict since 2013, when predominantly Muslim rebels seized power and forced the president from office. Though a 2019 peace deal was signed, six of the 14 armed groups involved later withdrew.

Wagner is credited with helping prevent the rebels from retaking the capital in 2021.

On the same day that Touadera’s candidacy was validated, the U.N. Security Council extended its peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic for another year, underscoring the ongoing challenges the nation faces ahead of the December election.
https://mymotherlode.com/news/world/10185655/central-african-republic-leader-cleared-for-third-term-in-key-vote-followed-closely-by-russia.html

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