Central African Republic President Touadera Begins Third Term

Faustin Archange Touadera was sworn in for his third term as President of the Central African Republic following his December 2025 re-election with 77.9% of the vote, made possible by a 2023 constitutional change removing term limits and extending the presidential term to seven years.

Faustin Archange Touadera was officially sworn in for his third term as President of the Central African Republic on Monday, following his decisive re-election in December 2025. The inauguration ceremony took place at a sports stadium in the capital city, Bangui, and was live-streamed to allow citizens across the country to witness the event. Several prominent African leaders attended the ceremony, including Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi—who also serves as chairperson of the African Union—and Azali Assoumani of Comoros, among other dignitaries.
Touadera, 68, secured re-election with 77.9% of the vote, as validated by the Constitutional Council. His political career as president began in 2016 when he was first elected, and he successfully won a second term in 2020 with 53.16% of the vote in the first round. The path for a third term was made possible by a 2023 constitutional referendum, which eliminated presidential term limits and extended the length of office to seven years.
The referendum sparked debates nationally and internationally, with supporters arguing that it would provide political stability and continuity, while critics raised concerns about democratic principles and the consolidation of power. Touadera’s extended mandate now positions him to oversee long-term policy initiatives, including efforts to strengthen security, improve governance, and drive economic development in a country that has faced persistent challenges from internal conflict and political instability.
As he begins his third term, Touadera faces the task of balancing domestic expectations with regional diplomatic engagements. The presence of fellow African leaders at the ceremony highlights the continued importance of regional cooperation and integration, and the administration has signaled that it will focus on building stronger ties with neighboring states while pursuing reforms aimed at national development and reconciliation.