The government of the Central African Republic has given its approval for a march organized by the Bloc républicain pour la défense de la Constitution (BRDC) to be held in Bangui on November 13. The march aims to protest against the high cost of living and the recent increase in fuel prices. This approval comes after the government's spokesperson had expressed reservations about the planned mobilization.
According to a letter dated November 9, the Minister of Public Security informed Me Crépin Mboli-Goumba, coordinator of the BRDC, that the government has authorized the march. Despite noting that the BRDC is not formally registered with the Ministry of Territorial Administration, the minister justified the decision citing the government's commitment to respecting public freedoms and the free exercise of democracy.
The march is scheduled to start at 6:00 AM at the Marabéna roundpoint and will proceed along the Avenue des Martyrs, the Martyrs roundpoint, and the Conjugo Avenue before ending at the Nations unies roundpoint. The Ministry of Public Security has emphasized the need for the march to be peaceful and has called on the BRDC leaders to ensure the event unfolds without violence or disruptions to public order.
The BRDC is also demanding the release of five civil society leaders who have been detained for several weeks following their call for a "ville morte" (ghost town) operation on October 12. The platform's coordinator, Me Crépin Mboli-Goumba, confirmed the authorization of the march on his Facebook page and stated that the Ministry of Public Security has assured that the event will be secured by law enforcement.
The government's decision to authorize the march despite initial reservations is seen as a significant development. The BRDC's demands are likely to resonate with many citizens who are struggling with the high cost of living and the recent increase in fuel prices. The march is expected to draw a large crowd, and the government's assurance of security will be closely watched.
The Ministry of Public Security has imposed conditions on the march, including the need for the BRDC leaders to prevent any acts of violence or disruptions to public order. The ministry has also emphasized the importance of respecting the free circulation of users on the designated routes and the instructions of the internal security forces.
The authorization of the march marks a significant moment for the BRDC and the civil society in the Central African Republic. The event is likely to draw attention to the pressing issues of the high cost of living and the detention of civil society leaders. The government's response to the march and its aftermath will be closely watched by local and international observers.
Key points
- The Central African Republic government has authorized a march by the BRDC to protest against the high cost of living and the recent increase in fuel prices.
