President Faustin-Archange Touadéra convened two strategic meetings at the Hôtel Ledger Plazza in Bangui to impose his direction on the majority's elected officials, culminating in the confiscation of meeting notes amidst fears of leaks. The primary objective of these gatherings was to exert presidential influence over the legislative branch. The second session, in particular, was specifically called to finalize the composition of the National Assembly's bureau, a critical step in establishing parliamentary leadership. During these key meetings, Mr. Touadéra dictated the distribution of key parliamentary positions, ranging from first vice-president to questure members, effectively orchestrating the leadership structure of the legislative body. Following these explicit directives, President Touadéra reportedly ordered, "Ramassez tout ! Ramassez tout ! Ramassez tout ! Si on leur donne maintenant, ils vont remettre ça à Corbeau News et à Kerembessé !" (Collect everything! Collect everything! Collect everything! If we give it to them now, they will give it to Corbeau News and Kerembessé!). This stern command showed his significant concern regarding the potential for sensitive information to be leaked to external media outlets.
Dictating Assembly Leadership
The first meeting convened by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra focused exclusively on the election of the National Assembly president, a key position within the legislative framework. During this session, Mr. Touadéra dictated the selection of Simplice Mathieu Sarandji for the position, effectively excluding Évariste Ngamana from consideration, according to sources familiar with the discussions. This directive established the leadership for the legislative body, demonstrating the President's direct involvement in shaping its highest office.
In a subsequent meeting, which was the second strategic gathering, President Touadéra issued a demand for the immediate expulsion of deputies representing both the expanded majority and allied parties, specifically naming Mouni. This instruction signaled a consolidation of power within the legislative ranks, aimed at streamlining adherence to the presidential agenda and removing any perceived obstacles. The President's actions in both meetings show his direct involvement in shaping the National Assembly's composition and leadership, extending his influence beyond the executive branch. He not only dictated the key positions but also sought to control the membership, ensuring loyalty to his administration.
Fear of Information Leaks
As agents began distributing printed lists containing the President's dictated orders for the parliamentary positions, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra reportedly panicked, expressing fears of an immediate leak. This sudden apprehension led to a decisive and urgent reaction. Mr. Touadéra subsequently ordered the immediate confiscation of these lists, stating, "Ramassez tout ! Ramassez tout ! Ramassez tout ! Si on leur donne maintenant, ils vont remettre ça à Corbeau News et à Kerembessé !" This explicit reaction, according to the article, demonstrated Mr. Touadéra's profound apprehension regarding information being disseminated by Corbeau News Centrafrique and through Kerembessé's Facebook live streams. His fear was clearly directed at specific digital platforms known for publishing critical information.
The President's concern about unauthorized information sharing is not new; Mr. Touadéra previously denounced web rumors during his self-coronation event on March 30, 2026, indicating a long-standing sensitivity to online discourse. The article characterizes Mr. Touadéra's action of confiscating the lists due to his fear of their publication as "schizophrenic," noting a perceived inconsistency in his approach to information control and public communication. This description suggests a contradiction between his public statements and his reactive measures to prevent leaks.
Shifting Stance on Digital Media
In 2016, Corbeau News published a barometer that evaluated government action, assigning a 0/20 score to several ministers, a significant critique of their performance. This evaluation coincided with the start of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra's first mandate, placing his administration under immediate scrutiny. At that time, Mr. Touadéra publicly stated his perspective on governance and digital platforms, seemingly downplaying their importance. "On ne gouverne pas un pays sur les réseaux sociaux," President Touadéra declared in 2016, emphasizing a perceived separation between state administration and online discourse and suggesting that social media held little sway over national governance.
However, the article suggests that President Touadéra's current stance, demonstrated by his intense concern over leaks to digital outlets like Corbeau News Centrafrique and Kerembessé, directly contradicts his earlier statement. This noticeable shift indicates that his administration is now significantly influenced by the realities of cybernetic communication and public opinion circulating on the internet. The change in approach notes a developing acknowledgment of the impact and reach of online media platforms, even for a leader who once publicly dismissed their relevance in governing. This evolution in his attitude reflects a growing understanding of the power of digital information dissemination and its potential implications for his administration.
