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The rally was organized by opposition parties that object to
Touadera's third term as president.
The country is one of the first in which the Wagner mercnaries
established operations with the pledge of fighting rebel groups
and restoring peace. Wagner forces have served as personal
bodyguards for Touadera, helping him win a constitutional
referendum in July 2023 that could extend his power
indefinitely.
“We’re here to say no to a third term for Faustin Archange
Touadera. But more than that, we want to protect our
sovereignty, which Touadera and the Wagner have trampled upon,"
said a member of the opposition, Justin Winè.
"The Wagner have raped and killed without any justice. This is
not normal. To put an end to their reign, Touadera must go,” he
said.
The CAR has been in conflict since 2013, when predominantly
Muslim rebels seized power and forced then-President François
Bozizé from office. Six of the 14 armed groups that signed a
2019 peace deal later left the agreement. Locals and the
government have credited Wagner forces with preventing rebels
from taking control of Bangui in 2021.
Martin Ziguélé, an opposition spokesman, thanked the country's
youth for attending Friday's rally in their thousands to stand
up for the country's constitution.
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