### Central African Republic's Touadera: A Controversial Bid for a Third Term Amidst Security and Economic Challenges - Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadera is campaigning for a third term in the upcoming election, scheduled for December 27, 2025. His tenure has been marked by significant reliance on Russian military support and controversial governance practices, including a referendum that removed presidential term limits. The election is set against a backdrop of security improvements attributed to peace deals with rebel groups and military assistance from Russian mercenaries and Rwandan forces, although the overall security situation remains precarious and economic growth has slowed [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russia-ally-touadera-seeks-third-term-in-central-african-republic][https://www.semafor.com/article/12/25/2025/touadra-set-to-extend-his-term-as-president-of-the-central-african-republic]. ### Structure of the Response: Key Segments 1. **Background on Touadera's Presidency**: Overview of his time in office since 2016 and the context of his current campaign. 2. **Security and Military Alliances**: Examination of the role of Russian and Rwandan forces in stabilizing the country and their implications. 3. **Economic Context**: Analysis of the economic challenges facing CAR, including slowing growth and reliance on external support. 4. **Controversial Governance**: Discussion of the referendum that allowed Touadera to seek a third term and the implications for democracy in CAR. 5. **Opposition Landscape**: Overview of the political opposition and the challenges Touadera faces in the election. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Security Gains**: Touadera's administration has reportedly made security improvements through peace deals with various rebel factions, supported by Russian mercenaries [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3741441-election-drama-in-the-central-african-republic-a-president-mercenaries-and-the-fight-for-stability]. - **Economic Indicators**: Despite security gains, CAR's economic growth has been described as slowing, raising concerns about the sustainability of these improvements [https://www.semafor.com/article/12/25/2025/touadra-set-to-extend-his-term-as-president-of-the-central-african-republic]. - **Controversial Referendum**: The 2023 referendum that removed term limits has been criticized as undermining democratic processes, a move that has drawn parallels with governance in neighboring countries [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3739367-central-african-republics-controversial-quest-for-stability-touaderas-third-term-bid]. - **Political Opposition**: Touadera faces six opposition candidates, indicating a competitive electoral landscape despite his incumbency [https://www.freedom969.com/world-news/russia-ally-touadera-seeks-third-term-in-central-african-republic]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Touadera's Campaign**: Faustin-Archange Touadera is seeking a third term in office, leveraging security improvements and military alliances with Russia and Rwanda. 2. **Security vs. Economic Stability**: While there have been security gains, the economic situation remains challenging, with slowing growth and reliance on foreign support. 3. **Democratic Concerns**: The removal of term limits through a controversial referendum raises significant questions about the state of democracy in CAR. 4. **Electoral Competition**: The presence of multiple opposition candidates suggests a potentially competitive election, despite Touadera's incumbency and support from foreign powers. In conclusion, **Touadera's bid for a third term is emblematic of the complex interplay between security, governance, and economic stability in the Central African Republic**, raising critical questions about the future of democracy and the role of foreign influence in the region [https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/russia-bitcoin-and-ballots-inside-touaderas-3rd-term-push-in-central-african-republic/zykw990].