BRDC Calls for a Protest March

By Fernand NADOT | LAMINE MEDIA
Translated into English by Susan CARTER-JONES l LNC

(Bangui, October 31, 2026 | LNC) Touadéra thought he had finished with the troublemakers behind the "dead city" (general strike) protests by having civil society leaders arrested. However—much like Captain Haddock’s persistent adhesive tape—the issue has come back to haunt him. This time, it is the Republican Bloc for the Defense of the Constitution (BRDC)—the main opposition coalition in the Central African Republic—that has officially called for a large-scale, peaceful march to take place in Bangui on Friday, November 13. This mobilization comes amid a climate of intense political and social tension, exacerbated by the high cost of living in the country.
During a press conference held on October 30, BRDC spokesperson Martin Ziguélé outlined the details of the planned demonstration. The opposition aims to mobilize a massive turnout from the population of Bangui, as well as from the neighboring communes of Bimbo and Bégoua.
The choice of location and the nature of this protest are not incidental. The BRDC states that it is, in fact, "taking Touadéra at his word." During a recent meeting with social partners, the Head of State had publicly suggested that Central Africans should opt for protest marches along the Avenue des Martyrs, rather than paralyzing the national economy through "dead city" operations.
The opposition has decided to follow this recommendation to the letter. The gathering is scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. at the Rond-point de la Paix (Peace Roundabout), from where the procession will move along the entire length of the Avenue des Martyrs, concluding in front of the Martyrs' Monument. Beyond its political symbolism, the BRDC puts forward specific demands centered on the socio-economic crisis currently affecting the country:
• Combating the high cost of living: The coalition demands concrete measures to protect household purchasing power, specifically calling for a reduction in fuel prices at the pump to below the 1,000 CFA franc mark.
• Transparency in the oil sector: The opposition is requesting the immediate publication of the agreement signed between the Central African State and the company Neptune Oil SA, as well as the full liberalization of the fuel distribution sector to put an end to recurring shortages.
• The release of prisoners of conscience: Finally, the organizers have made the release of five civil society leaders a key prerequisite. These individuals were arrested in the wake of the "ghost town" (general strike/shutdown) protest held on October 12th.
It remains to be seen how the authorities in Bangui will respond to this request for authorization to hold a demonstration, given the highly controlled security and political environment.

LNC
Date: October 31, 2026
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