Risks Loom as Central African Republic Holds Referendum

Referendum in Central African Republic Poses Risks to Civil Society and Freedom of Expression

Background

The Central African Republic (CAR) is scheduled to hold a constitutional referendum on July 30, 2023, which could have severe implications for civil society and democratic progress in the country. The proposed constitutional amendments aim to allow the President, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, to stay in office beyond his current term, which ends in 2025.

The proposal to hold a referendum first surfaced in March 2022, following a national dialogue with opposition parties. Since then, the government has prevented opposition parties from protesting the proposed amendments and allowed supporters to hold rallies with police protection.

Concerns and Risks

Human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and fair democratic process regarding the referendum. They fear that the referendum could further close civic space, undermine gains made since 2015, and threaten the country’s stability.

The CAR is currently grappling with numerous challenges, including protracted violence and instability, a struggling economy, and weakened governmental institutions. The proposed amendments could exacerbate these challenges by limiting political opposition and stifling critical voices, leading to increased civil unrest.

Role of Russia in the Referendum

In recent years, Russia has played a more significant role in the CAR, particularly in the country’s security and intelligence sectors. Russian forces, including those from the Wagner group, have been deployed in the CAR since 2018.

Reports suggest that Russian officials have attempted to influence political processes in the country. In March 2022, officials from the Russian Embassy visited the head of the Constitutional Court to request advice on how to change the constitution to allow Touadéra to remain in power. Russian forces have also been implicated in human rights violations, including summary executions, torture, and beatings of civilians since 2019.

Editorial

The proposed constitutional amendments in the CAR pose significant risks to the country’s democratic stability and human rights. President Touadéra and his government should heed the warnings from human rights organizations and the international community and reconsider their plans for the referendum.

The CAR is still rebuilding from protracted violence, and the government must prioritize the restoration of democratic institutions and human rights protections. The proposed amendments could set back these efforts and undermine the country’s fragile stability.

Advice

The international community, including diplomatic actors in the CAR, should call on the government to allow open debates and peaceful protests against the proposed amendments. They should also ensure that all voices, including those skeptical of the amendments, are heard and protected.

Additionally, civil society and opposition parties in the CAR should continue to push back against the proposed amendments and demand respect for their democratic rights. They should also remain vigilant against political intimidation and threats.

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