Central African Republic: A Country in Decline
By Sophie HERVOUET | LNC
(Bangui, July 13, 2026 | LNC) To say the least, religion is all-powerful in the Central African Republic—as is common in impoverished nations. Evangelist Jean Fridolin Ngoulou’s organization of the first "Couples' Picnic" on Saturday, July 11, 2026—held in Nzila (Bangui commune, on the road to Mbaïki)—promoted marriage for unmarried couples (oh, the sacrilege!). It begs the question: what century are we living in here? Socially, it feels like the Middle Ages. Like many African countries, the nation tolerates neither homosexuality—dismissed as a "white person's thing"—nor cohabitation. For men, having multiple wives is a sign of power. Yet, the country—never one to shy away from contradiction—speaks of gender equality. Marriage customs still revolve around the dot (bride price), where the groom's family must bring gifts to his future in-laws. Accessing water means digging wells—an event celebrated with ceremonies; in fact, there is a ceremony for everything. If an administrative office buys a computer, there is an immediate ceremony—complete with the President, red carpet, brass band, and all the trimmings. Meanwhile, only 11% of the country has electricity (when the grid actually works), and most people rely on kerosene or hurricane lamps for light, just as they did a century ago. As a nation dependent on foreign aid, it pays for nothing itself—relying instead on financial partners—yet claims credit for the benefits provided. The sheer audacity... the President's "brilliant" visions!
LNC
Date: July 13, 2026
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