Central African Republic: Touadera proposes a constitutional referendum in the name of "people's aspirations"

Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, during a one-year term ceremony at the National Assembly, in Bangui on March 30, 2022 © Barbara Debout / AFP

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The Central African president spoke Friday evening in a message to the nation, on the eve of the 62nd anniversary of independence.

The Head of State portrayed himself as a defender of the country's sovereignty and, on the subject of the fundamental law, which is creating a stir in Bangui, " 

sensitive to the deep aspirations of the people

 ".

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August 13 is an opportunity to " 

rekindle the flame of hope 

" attacks Faustin-Archange Touadéra, "

 the manifestation of our common desire to build a sovereign and democratic state

 ", he continues.

“ 

We want to prove that we are a people who know where they come from, a people who know where they are going, a people who know what they want. 

»

And according to the Head of State, what the Central African people want is a constitutional referendum: " 

since the republican dialogue last March, more and more voices have been raised to demand the revision 

", according to him. .

 Our legal corpus is not immutable.

It must adapt to social, political, technical and environmental developments, both national and international 

”, he further believes.

The national representation has shown itself to be sensitive to the deep aspirations of the people expressed through petitions and marches of support

 ", which is why the Assembly "

 asked the government to initiate the referendum procedure

 ".

I will do nothing without the will of the people who hold national sovereignty,

 adds Faustin-Archange Touadéra,

however, I cannot remain indifferent to the cries of the hearts of my people who are the depository par excellence of sovereign power.

I listened to you.

I take note of your urgent requests which have reached me from everywhere demanding a new Constitution. 

»

And to conclude: “

 It will be up to the government to notify and respond to the request of the National Assembly, I mean, at your request. 

»

To read also: Central African Republic: creation of a Republican Bloc against a third term of President Touadéra

Another point of his speech: Faustin-Archange Touadéra highlighted the adoption of the law on cryptocurrencies, an " 

unheard of opportunity

 " for the country according to him, and the recent lifting of the UN arms embargo. destined for the army, which, according to him, constituted " 

a hostage-taking 

" of the country.

He specifically thanked some friendly countries and leaders, the Minusca troops and the 

 Russian and Rwandan "

bilateral forces ".

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  • Central African Republic

  • Faustin-Archange Touadera