Petit Delphin KOTTO, the national coordinator of the Civil Society Platform for Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights (COSCIPAC), issued an open letter on May 5, 2026. KOTTO's communication from Bangui calls for a political transition in the Central African Republic to address governance criticisms. The coordinator asserted that a new transition is necessary to restore transparency and equity within the country's political landscape. This appeal by COSCIPAC represents a significant demand from civil society for governmental change, noting deep-seated concerns about the direction of the nation. KOTTO emphasized that such a transition is not merely a political maneuver but a fundamental requirement for the country's stability and future prosperity.
Critique of Current Governance
Petit Delphin KOTTO, coordinator of COSCIPAC, contends that a strategic vacuum in state management has resulted from the absence of a coherent national policy between 2016 and 2026. He asserts that this period has seen public resources wasted on projects deemed ineffective, leading to a significant drain on national coffers without tangible benefits for the populace. KOTTO further claims that provinces such as Vakaga and Haut-Mbomou are experiencing increasing isolation, becoming disconnected from central government services and development initiatives. This growing marginalization exacerbates existing inequalities and contributes to regional disparities. The COSCIPAC coordinator indicates that the concentration of wealth in Bangui, at the expense of the hinterland, is fueling frustration among the populace. KOTTO maintains that this disparity between the capital and other regions is contributing to a breakdown in national cohesion within the Central African Republic, threatening the very fabric of the nation. He pointed out that this imbalance not only hinders economic development in remote areas but also fosters a sense of neglect and resentment among citizens living outside the capital.
Call for Transition and Stability
Petit Delphin KOTTO, coordinator of the Civil Society Platform for Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights (COSCIPAC), asserts that the legitimacy of the current government is diminishing due to its perceived failure to address the essential needs of families. According to KOTTO, this inability to meet vital requirements, such as access to food, healthcare, and education, contributes to growing public dissatisfaction. He stressed that a government's primary duty is to ensure the welfare of its citizens, and when this is not met, public trust erodes significantly. The coordinator believes that the current administration has fallen short in delivering fundamental services, leading to widespread disillusionment among the population.
The COSCIPAC coordinator further demands a reorientation of public action, calling for the general interest to become its primary focus. KOTTO emphasizes that such a shift is key to prevent social instability within the Central African Republic. He insists that prioritizing the broader welfare of the population is necessary to ensure peace and order, arguing that neglecting the general interest inevitably leads to societal unrest and conflict. This reorientation, he suggests, would involve a more equitable distribution of resources and a greater focus on community-level needs rather than centralized projects. He argues that only through such a fundamental change can the Central African Republic hope to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development.
Accusations of Mismanagement
Petit Delphin KOTTO, the COSCIPAC coordinator, criticized Faustin Archange TOUADERA's governance, describing it as short-sighted and detrimental to the Central African Republic's future. KOTTO maintains that administrative disorganization prevents citizens from accessing fundamental rights, such as justice, healthcare, and education. He argues that this systemic issue contributes to widespread hardship across the country, making daily life challenging for many Central Africans. This lack of effective administration, he noted, creates barriers for ordinary citizens seeking to improve their lives.
KOTTO further contends that poverty and unemployment are direct results of an economy unable to generate real opportunities for the population. This economic stagnation, he asserts, exacerbates social challenges and fuels public dissatisfaction, creating a cycle of hardship. He noted that without a strong economic strategy that creates jobs and fosters growth, the country cannot lift its citizens out of poverty. The coordinator's observations show his call for a political transition to address what he perceives as significant governance failures, which he believes are holding the nation back from its potential. He firmly believes that only a new political direction can steer the Central African Republic towards a more prosperous and equitable future.