The government of the Central African Republic has announced plans to hold a political dialogue with the opposition ahead of the presidential election scheduled for December. Fidèle Gouandjika, a close advisor to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, confirmed the development, saying government officials and other institutions will lead the dialogue efforts.
The opposition, however, remains skeptical, with the Republican Bloc for the Defense of the Constitution (BRDC) calling it a “media posture” aimed at appeasing the international community. BRDC coordinator Crépin Mboli Goumba expressed willingness to meet with President Touadéra to establish a clear agenda for the dialogue.
The announcement comes as President Touadéra’s potential candidacy for re-election remains a contentious issue. The opposition has announced plans to organize a new protest on May 31.
The dialogue initiative is seen as a sign of easing tensions between the government and opposition, after President Touadéra ordered his Interior Minister to allow an opposition march in April, despite it being banned the day before.