Faustin-Archange Touadéra was inaugurated this Monday, March 30, 2026, in Bangui, marking the official commencement of his third term as President of the Central African Republic and the birth of the Seventh Republic.
The high-profile ceremony drew several African heads of state and government, reflecting the significant regional diplomatic stakes surrounding this new mandate. Touadéra, who originally took office in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020, secured his latest victory in the December 2025 polls with 77.90% of the vote. Although his main challenger, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, alleged massive fraud after receiving 13.50% of the vote, his legal appeals were ultimately dismissed by the Constitutional Court.
The inauguration took place against a complex political backdrop, with the opposition remaining vocal in its criticism following the 2023 constitutional referendum that allowed the president to seek additional terms. Despite this domestic friction, the event maintained a strong international presence. Comorian President Azali Assoumani arrived in Bangui with a high-level delegation and was personally greeted at the airport by Touadéra. Similarly, Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute, traveled to the capital and was welcomed by his Central African counterpart, Félix Moloua, alongside cabinet members and the local Cameroonian community.
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema also attended the proceedings, further cementing the regional importance of the event. The gathering of these prominent leaders highlights the deep interconnectedness of Central African states, particularly within the framework of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). As Touadéra begins this new chapter, member nations appear focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and ensuring regional stability during this transitional period for the Seventh Republic.
AC/Sf/lb/abj/APA