CAR’s optimistic new president Touadéra sworn in
Central African Republic (CAR)’s newly elected president, Faustin Archange Touadéra, has been sworn into office today. He faces the challenge of rebuilding this damaged country.
“I pledge to wholly respect the constitution … and preserve the peace,” he vowed at the ceremony. He promised to “carry out my duties without any ethnic bias.”
This followed the confirmation of his election victory on 14th February. Touadéra (58) won the second round of the country’s presidential elections. He obtained 62% of the votes, defeating his main opposition candidate Anicet Dologuele.
Touadéra’s inauguration came as former coloniser France revealed that its troops plan to leave the country towards the end of the year.
CAR: a country in ruins
Muslim and Christian militias have been in conflict for several years. This has lead to a split in the population as well as frequent communal violence.
The chaos has caused the deaths of thousands. More than 400 000 have been displaced. Farming, transport and public services have been disrupted.
The urgency of the situation prompted France and the UN to intervene.
The French forces worked to bring harmony to CAR until a UN peacekeeping mission was put in place. Both France and the UN’s operations have been blackened by allegations of child sexual abuse, however.
Touadéra, a Christian, campaigned on promises to help reunify CAR.
“The highest of priorities is that Central Africans live in peace together throughout the country,” Touadera said. He promised to disarm fighters on both sides. “Central African Republic is indivisible and it will stay that way.”
Touadera’s presidency ended a two-year transitional government that came into force in early 2014.
Muslim rebel leader Michel Djotodia seized power by force in 2013. He stepped aside under mounting international pressure after his fighters were accused of carrying out crimes against humanity — particularly against Christians.
Thereafter, Catherine Samba-Panza was elected as interim president on 23rd January 2014. She became the first ever female Central African president.
Originally published at typewriterintl.com on March 30, 2016.
