Russian favorite re-elected as president

TT

Published 10.42

 

Faustin Archange Touadéra, in the center of the picture, talks to the media in the Central African Republic's capital Bangui after being declared the winner of the presidential election. Photo: Jean-Fernand Koena/AP/TT

Faustin-Archange Touadéra declares victory after the presidential election in the Central African Republic (CAR).

This means he remains as leader for a third term.

Touadéra is very pro-Russian. Under his rule, Russia has gained access to the country's vast natural resources, including gold and diamonds. In return, CAR has received Russian support, including in the form of Russian mercenaries from the widely criticized Russian Africa Corps.

Previously, a Central African president could only serve two terms, but that was changed by a referendum in 2023.