Faustin-Archange Touadéra Secures Third Term as Central African Republic President

Thu Jan 08 2026 16:02:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant electoral victory, Faustin-Archange Touadéra wins a third term as president of the Central African Republic, amidst concerns of electoral integrity and a boycott by opposition parties.

Faustin-Archange Touadéra has been re-elected as president of the Central African Republic, winning 76% of the vote in a contested election that was boycotted by the main opposition. The election was marked by allegations of irregularities and criticisms of changes to presidential term limits. With a history of political instability in the region, Touadéra's continued leadership may influence the dynamics of foreign support, particularly from Russia.

Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has won a third term after securing an outright majority in last month's presidential election, provisional results show.

The 68-year-old mathematics professor was widely expected to win after the main opposition coalition boycotted the poll, citing concerns about electoral fairness.

Touadéra campaigned on his security record in the chronically unstable nation after rebels seized power in 2013, a crisis that led the government to enlist support from Russian mercenaries and Rwandan soldiers.

He has faced heavy criticism after a 2023 constitution removed term limits, allowing him to keep running for office.

More than 2.4 million people registered for the 28 December general election, which observers described as largely peaceful despite delays caused by the late arrival of voting material and problems with the electoral register.

Touadéra secured 76% of the vote, according to preliminary results, leaving his closest challengers—former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra—receiving only 15% and 3% respectively.

Both have called for the results to be annulled, alleging widespread irregularities and fraud.

The main opposition coalition, known by its French acronym BRDC, boycotted the election, saying it was unlikely to be fair.

The government has denied these claims.

The Constitutional Court has until 20 January to rule on any challenges and declare the final results.

The CAR is one of Africa's poorest and most unstable countries, despite its rich resources like diamonds and uranium, with around half the population relying on humanitarian aid.

Since 2013, the nation has been riddled with conflict after rebels seized power, dethroning then-President François Bozizé. Although a 2019 peace agreement somewhat eased tensions, six armed groups later withdrew from it.

Analysts suggest that Touadéra's victory could further cement Russian interests in the region, as Russian security forces, particularly the Wagner Group, have been key players in supporting his administration.