00:00In the Central African Republic, President Faustin-Archange Touadera, in power since 2016,
00:06is seeking a third consecutive term in general elections taking place this Sunday.
00:12At 68 years old, Touadera faces six challenges, but he enters the race as the clear favourite,
00:18helped by his strong grip on state institutions.
00:21A victory would reinforce Russia's influence in the country.
00:25Moscow has signed multiple cooperation agreements with Vangri,
00:28providing security supports in exchange for access to natural resources, such as gold and diamonds.
00:35The President has centred his campaign on improving security,
00:39pointing to peace deals signed this year with several armed groups.
00:43Others have been weakened by Russian Wagner mercenaries and Rwandan troops
00:47deployed alongside UN peacekeepers at the government's request.
00:51The opposition, however, accuses Touadera of clinging to power
00:55after a 2023 constitutional referendum, removed presidential term limits.
01:01Critics say he has failed to lift the country's 5.5 million people out of poverty,
01:06citing crumbling infrastructure and a struggling economy.
01:10Presidential, legislative, municipal and regional elections will be held simultaneously,
01:16with preliminary results expected on January 5th.
01:19Despite claims of stability, analysts warn the vote remains high-risk,
01:24as rebel groups remain active and insecurity persists, especially in the East.
01:29Observers stress that a credible vote will be crucial for preventing renewed violence.
Comments