Centrafrique: martin ziguélé critiques national governance and calls for urgent dialogue

In the Central African Republic (Centrafrique), over two weeks following the inauguration of Faustin Archange Touadéra, which heralded the Seventh Republic, Martin Ziguélé, former head of government and leader of the MLPC, has voiced his concerns. His remarks come amidst a charged political atmosphere, characterized by persistent tensions between the ruling administration and opposition factions.

Speaking from Bangui, Ziguélé presented a stark appraisal of the nation’s trajectory. He contends that despite a decade under the current regime’s stewardship, the daily lives of Centrafricans have shown no discernible improvement. He underscored the critical need for genuine dialogue among political leaders and civil society stakeholders to reverse this concerning trend in the Central African Republic.

To support his argument, the opposition figure cited compelling statistics regarding poverty in Centrafrique. A 2016 benchmark indicated that over half the population subsisted below the poverty line (earning less than 1,000 CFA francs daily); projections for 2026 suggest this figure could climb to approximately two-thirds of the populace. Compounding this are deep-seated structural issues, including inadequate access to clean water and reliable electricity, severely dilapidated transportation networks, and the proliferation of unauthorized roadblocks across the country.

He further highlighted the dwindling agricultural sectors as a clear indicator of the nation’s economic regression. Historically significant crops have seen a catastrophic collapse; cotton production, once nearing 100,000 tonnes, now hovers around a mere 2,000 tonnes. Furthermore, reliable statistics for traditional exports like coffee are no longer available. Given these dire circumstances, Ziguélé firmly believes that the path to recovery for the Central African Republic necessitates a comprehensive political and economic overhaul.

Dialogue: An imperative for national renewal

For Ziguélé, open communication between political factions is non-negotiable for the Central African Republic’s future. He stressed that in any democratic framework, dialogue serves as a crucial mechanism for overcoming societal and political impasses. He also pointed out that the majority of the population resides in rural areas, directly bearing the brunt of isolation and the breakdown of vital production chains. While President Faustin Touadéra, following his March 30, 2026, inauguration, presented a positive assessment of his two terms and acknowledged significant challenges, Martin Ziguélé maintains that without broad, sincere consultation involving all national stakeholders, implementing the essential reforms for genuine recovery will remain an arduous task for Centrafrique.