COSCIPAC issued a nine-page declaration on 23 October 2026 demanding the immediate release of detained civil society leaders. The document follows a 'ville morte' (dead city) protest that took place across the Central African Republic on 12 October 2026. Organizers of the nationwide demonstration sought to express public dissatisfaction through the mass closure of businesses and public offices. The COSCIPAC declaration formalizes the coalition's position regarding the subsequent government response and the status of those taken into custody. Authorities in the Central African Republic have not yet issued a formal reply to the demands outlined in the nine-page text.
The issuance of this nine-page declaration on 23 October 2026 serves as the primary mechanism through which COSCIPAC is communicating its current objectives to the public and the state. By documenting the specific grievances related to the detention of civil society leaders, the coalition has established a formal record of its requirements for de-escalation. The protest that occurred on 12 October 2026, characterized as a 'ville morte' (dead city) event, involved a widespread cessation of commercial and administrative activities throughout the Central African Republic. This mobilization was intended to manifest public discontent through the systemic closure of various entities. The subsequent declaration by COSCIPAC now acts as the definitive articulation of the coalition’s stance on the government’s reaction to that day of action and the current legal status of the individuals apprehended during or after the events.
Government Dialogue and Detentions
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra held a meeting with representatives of the civil society on 21 October 2026 to discuss the status of detained individuals. Participants in the session addressed the ongoing detentions that followed the recent demonstrations across the Central African Republic. Government officials maintained the dialogue as part of the broader administrative response to the civil unrest.
During the discussions held on 21 October 2026, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra engaged directly with the representatives of the civil society to review the circumstances surrounding the detainees. This meeting was organized to facilitate a direct exchange regarding the individuals currently held in custody following the 12 October 2026 protests. The dialogue represents the official engagement between the administration of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra and the civil society groups involved in the recent activities.
COSCIPAC representatives separately alleged that Hassane Bouba avoided action by the Special Criminal Court (CPS). Members of the coalition stated that Hassane Bouba remains free despite an issued arrest warrant from the Special Criminal Court. The organization maintains that the judicial body has not enforced the warrant against him.
The assertion regarding Hassane Bouba notes a specific point of contention raised by COSCIPAC. According to the coalition, the Special Criminal Court (CPS) has failed to execute a standing arrest warrant against Hassane Bouba. COSCIPAC maintains that Hassane Bouba has successfully avoided any legal action or detention by the Special Criminal Court despite the existence of this warrant. This allegation remains a central feature of the coalition’s critique regarding the application of legal standards and the enforcement of judicial mandates within the Central African Republic. The coalition continues to insist that the Special Criminal Court must address the status of Hassane Bouba to ensure consistent application of the law.
