The dictator of Bangui delivered a speech during his coronation at the 20,000-seat stadium on March 30, 2026, which observers noted sounded like a declaration of war against individuals he labeled "delinquents." The launch of the '7th Republic' under this new administration has been characterized by a paradoxical approach. Indeed, the '7th Republic' opens on a paradox, with critics asserting that in the name of law, arbitrariness is installed, and in the name of security, organized pillage is taking place. This stark assessment suggests a fundamental subversion of judicial principles, where the state's apparatus is allegedly bent to serve interests far removed from justice.
Justice as Predatory Tool
The justice system in the Central African Republic has become an instrument of state racket, with each procedure reportedly serving as an opportunity to levy an informal tax on the survival of Central Africans. This alleged transformation turns legal processes into mechanisms of financial extraction rather than avenues for dispute resolution or protection of rights. Critics claim that Central African justice is merely a legal fiction, serving a regime that has made predation its only true method of governance. This system is characterized by daily extortion, with regime agents in Bangui's neighborhoods and in the provinces reportedly using strict orders to justify their actions. These orders, according to reports, empower agents to engage in practices that ensure a constant flow of resources back to the regime, under the guise of maintaining order. The systematic nature of this extortion notes a deep-seated corruption that permeates the state's institutions, turning the legal framework into a tool for illicit gain.
Protection for the Corrupt
While small traders and dissenting voices face targeting by the judicial apparatus, the true actors of corruption and those who plunder national resources reportedly enjoy total protection. This protection is afforded by the same justice system, according to critical assessments, suggesting a selective application of legal processes. This perceived disparity indicates that the very institutions designed to uphold justice may be shielding individuals engaged in significant illicit activities. The system, therefore, appears to differentiate between those it pursues and those it safeguards, raising questions about its impartiality and its role in governance. The alleged impunity for those at the top, contrasted with the relentless pursuit of ordinary citizens, paints a picture of a deeply skewed judicial landscape. This selective enforcement of the law further entrenches the perception that the justice system is not a neutral arbiter but a strategic asset for the ruling elite, ensuring their continued dominance and financial benefit.
Arbitrariness Under Law
The new constitution of 2023, referred to as the MCU statute, has reportedly granted full powers to a minority within the Central African Republic. This constitutional framework is perceived by some critics as contributing to an environment where legal principles are selectively applied, further entrenching the arbitrary nature of the justice system. The designation of the 2023 constitution as the "MCU statute" shows claims that it consolidates authority in the hands of a limited group. This concentration of power is cited as a factor enabling the regime to operate with reduced accountability, particularly in its judicial processes. The framework established by the MCU statute is thus seen as a foundational element supporting the current operational methods of the state, where legal provisions are interpreted to serve specific interests rather than upholding universal standards of justice. The alleged empowerment of a minority through this statute allows for the reported discretionary application of law, transforming legal texts into instruments of control rather than guarantees of rights. This constitutional shift is viewed as providing the legal scaffolding for the regime's alleged predatory practices and selective justice.
