Referendum in the Central African Republic: arrival of several Wagner mercenaries

Several hundred fighters “experienced” of Wagner arrived in the Central African Republic to ” Ensure the security “ in anticipation of the July 30 referendum, a group linked to the Russian paramilitary group said on Sunday.

Dozens of soldiers from Russian private military company Wagner have arrived in the Central African Republic to help organize a constitutional referendum on July 30 that could allow the president to extend his term, the presidency said Monday, reported by LSI Africa. “Another plane arrived in Bangui with instructors to work in the Central African Republic. The planned rotation continues. Several hundred experienced professionals from the Wagner company join the team working in CAR”declared the Community of Officers for International Security (COSI) on Telegram.

“Russian instructors will continue to help the soldiers of the Central African armed forces and the CAR security forces to ensure security, in anticipation of the constitutional referendum scheduled for July 30”specifies the press release.

A “presidency for life”

In this new Constitution desired by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the flagship measure concerns the presidential mandate which goes from five years limited to two mandates to seven years without restriction. The new text would allow the president to run for a third term. Instead of two five-year terms, the presidential term will increase to seven years without restriction.

“There are two elements in a constitution: the history of a people and the geography of a people. However, we have always had constitutions which were imposed on us by historical contingencies. In other words, they come from outside, they are imposed on us, including regimes. “, declared Aristide Reboas, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Central African Republic.

Article 67 of this new constitution allows a “presidency for life”, according to opponents of the reform, RFI reports. President Touadéra will also be able to run again in 2025. And to compete in the next election, you will only need to have Central African nationality. Dual nationality will be prohibited by article 10, unless there is a legislative exception.