CAR President Touadéra Announces Third-Term Bid After Term Limit Removal

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic announced his intention to seek a third term in the December 2025 presidential election, enabled by a 2023 constitutional amendment that removed term limits and extended presidential terms from five to seven years. Touadéra, who has been in power since 2016 and was re-elected in 2020, made his announcement at a gathering of his ruling United Hearts Movement party in Bangui, emphasizing his commitment to continue rebuilding the country. His tenure has been marked by ongoing civil conflict, with his government relying on support from Russian Wagner Group mercenaries, United Nations peacekeepers, and Rwandan troops to combat rebel groups such as the Coalition of Patriots for Change. Despite the country's wealth in natural resources, it remains one of the world's poorest nations, with a history of instability including coups and rebellions since independence from France in 1960. The constitutional changes have drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups who warn that they could enable Touadéra to remain in power indefinitely. The official date for the December 2025 election has not been confirmed.