Vehicle owners who provided vehicles for Faustin-Archange Touadéra's swearing-in ceremony again blocked and effectively paralyzed the entrance to the Ministry of Transport on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, protesting unpaid rentals. This action marks a renewed effort by the owners to demand payment for services rendered during the presidential inauguration. The vehicle owners seek resolution to the outstanding debts, which they say have been pending since the event. Their demonstration on May 5 represented a significant escalation in their efforts to secure the remuneration they believe they are owed. President Faustin-Archange Touadéra previously stated that the issue would be resolved "très vite et en bonne intelligence," indicating a swift and amicable solution to the outstanding payments.
Escalating Protests and Government Silence
Owners of vehicles provided for the presidential inauguration escalated their protests on May 5, returning for a second strike and again blocking the Ministry of Transport's entrance. This action follows an initial demonstration on April 27, when owners staged their first strike, parking vehicles across the main entrance of the Ministry of Transport to demand payment for services rendered during President Faustin-Archange Touadéra's swearing-in ceremony. The renewed protest on May 5 saw the deployment of gendarmes and police to the scene. Security forces were present to address the demonstration, which involved protesters obstructing access to the government building. Gendarmes and police were deployed on May 5 to intimidate the protesting owners, though the demonstration continued. The repeated blockades highlight the ongoing dispute between the vehicle owners and the government regarding the outstanding rental fees, with owners expressing frustration over the lack of concrete action despite the President's earlier assurances.
Background of Mobilization and Payment Delay
Thirty-six days after making their vehicles available to the State for the presidential inauguration, owners reported they had not received any payment. The mobilization of vehicles occurred on March 30, 2026, for the investiture ceremony at the 20,000-seat stadium in Bangui. On March 30, 2026, during the investiture ceremony at the 20,000-seat stadium in Bangui, hundreds of pick-ups, buses, and private cars were mobilized. These vehicles were key for facilitating transport during the high-profile national event. In an attempt to resolve the payment issue, three delegates traveled 75 kilometers from Bangui to Damara on April 19. Their purpose was to present the case directly to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. This direct appeal followed weeks of unpaid services, prompting the vehicle owners to seek an audience with the head of state to address their grievances regarding the outstanding rental fees. The owners have consistently maintained that their services were provided in good faith for the national event, expecting prompt compensation.
Accusations and Official Response
The current administration has been accused of mobilizing citizens' property for the inauguration and then proving incapable of fulfilling its payment obligations five weeks later, a situation described by some as "theft." The article states the regime mobilized citizens' property for the inauguration and is incapable of paying what it owes five weeks later, calling it 'theft'. Independent news outlet CNC reported on Monday (prior to May 5) that authorities had indicated they "ruled on the file," suggesting a decision had been made regarding the outstanding payments, though no public announcement or disbursement has followed.
Earlier, on April 10, vehicle owners attempted to publicize their plight through Radio Gouandjika. They paid 8,000 FCFA to Fidèle Gouandjika for a broadcast. On April 10, owners attempted to go public via Radio Gouandjika, paying 8,000 FCFA to Fidèle Gouandjika, who then cancelled the broadcast, stating it was a 'political affair' and did not return the money. This incident further exacerbated the owners' frustration, as their attempt to bring public attention to their situation was thwarted and their funds were not refunded. The continued protests show the growing impatience among the vehicle owners, who remain determined to receive payment for their services.