July 23, 2023
Central African Republic Celebrates Independence, August 13, 2023
By Joy Osiagwu
The Central African Republic (CAR) borders Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cameroon. With a population of 6,100,00 million, the country is rich in mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, and oil. However, it is ranked as one of the poorest on the continent, with meager human capital and development indices. Analysts attributed the low rating to the incessant coups, corruption, and intolerance of opposition.
For the last two decades, CAR has been in crises, the most recent of which was the Seleka group taking overpower in 2013, an offshoot of the problem from a coalition of rebels in December 2020. However, he handed authority to a transitional government in 2014 due to pressure from the international arena. The nation’s capital is Bangui, and the languages spoken are French and Sango. The country gained Independence from France on August 13, 1960, and was governed by several autocratic leaders, with David Dacko as the first President.
Current Governance Structure
The governance structure comprises the executive branch, comprising the President, Vice, Prime minister, and council members, while the other two components of government, are the legislature and Judiciary. Faustin-Archange Touadera is the President of the Republic. He was sworn in in March 2016.
Trending News
Russia’s Wagner mercenary group is said to have sent fighters to CAR ahead of the proposed constitutional referendum that may allow the President to bid for another tenure in 2025. Al Jazeera reports that the presidential spokesperson Albert Yaloke Mokpem told the Reuters news agency that-
“They are also here to secure the constitutional referendum, declining to say how many fighters had arrived”.
CAR-Ottawa Connection
Given the turbulent political situation in the Central African Republic over the years, Canada has been at the forefront of campaigners for peace through support to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission. Reports from Global Affairs Canada revealed that Canada has been offering humanitarian aid through international partner agencies working in CAR. Between 2011 and 2021, Canada gave over $233 million, and $129 million was channeled to humanitarian support. The Central African Republic has a representation in Washington D.C. since 1974, also covering Canada, while Canada has a consulate in Bangui, the capital city. 3