Political Tensions Erupt in Bangui as Opposition Rally Blocked by Ruling Party Supporters

Edited by: Widad WAHBI

On Saturday, the capital city of Bangui witnessed heightened political tension as supporters of the ruling party in the Central African Republic disrupted an opposition rally that had been scheduled for over a month. According to AFP journalists, members of the presidential party, the United Hearts Movement (MCU), clashed with those of the Republican Bloc for the Defense of the Constitution (BRDC), who had planned a political meeting on a local football field.

From early morning, MCU activists occupied the venue and organized a spontaneous football match, effectively preventing the opposition gathering from taking place. Police, gendarmes, and UN peacekeepers from the MINUSCA mission intervened to separate the two groups and avoid escalation.

In response, BRDC leaders decided to withdraw from the area to prevent confrontations. Speaking at a press briefing shortly after, BRDC coordinator Crépin Mboli-Goumba described the day as “a sad day for democracy,” accusing the ruling party of orchestrating the disruption. “The MCU mobilized thugs to assault our supporters,” he claimed, adding that two people were hospitalized as a result.

Additionally, a local journalist who was attempting to film the events was slapped and had his phone confiscated. It was returned to him two hours later by gendarmes.