Martin ziguélé critiques central african republic’s political and economic trajectory

Martin Ziguélé, a prominent opposition figure and former head of government for the MLPC, has voiced significant concerns regarding the Central African Republic’s political climate. His remarks come just over two weeks after President Faustin Archange Touadéra’s inauguration, marking the dawn of the Seventh Republic, amidst palpable political tensions between the ruling administration and opposition factions.

Speaking from Bangui, Ziguélé offered an alarming assessment of the nation’s state. He contended that after a decade under the current regime, the daily lives of Centrafricans have shown no discernible improvement. He emphasized the urgent necessity for meaningful dialogue between political leaders and civil society stakeholders to reverse this troubling trend and foster genuine socio-economic development.

Highlighting the severe socio-economic challenges, Ziguélé presented stark figures on poverty in the Central African Republic. Based on a 2016 benchmark, over half of the population struggled below the poverty line, subsisting on less than 1,000 CFA francs daily. Projections for 2026 indicate an even more dire situation, with approximately two-thirds of residents expected to fall into this category. These figures are compounded by persistent structural issues such as inadequate access to clean water and electricity, deteriorating transportation networks, and the proliferation of illegal roadblocks impeding commerce and movement.

According to Ziguélé, the nation’s economic decline is further evidenced by the contraction of key agricultural sectors. Historically significant productions have plummeted; cotton cultivation, which once approached 100,000 tons, now reportedly hovers around 2,000 tons, while reliable statistics for traditional crops like coffee are no longer available. Given these conditions, Ziguélé believes that national recovery hinges on a comprehensive political and economic overhaul.

Dialogue: An Essential Pillar for Progress in the CAR

For Ziguélé, genuine dialogue is not merely an option but an imperative for national recovery. He underscored its role as a fundamental democratic tool to dismantle obstacles and foster progress. He also reiterated that the majority of the Central African Republic’s population resides in rural areas, directly bearing the brunt of isolation and the collapse of vital production chains.

Following his inauguration on March 30, 2026, President Faustin Touadéra presented a positive review of his two mandates, acknowledging, however, the significant challenges that still lie ahead for the Central African Republic. Yet, Martin Ziguélé firmly believes that without broad and sincere consultation involving all national forces, implementing the necessary reforms for a true national resurgence will remain an arduous task.