Évariste Ngamana, known as the 'sorcerer of Carnot', is leaving the parliament following a decision by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. The government's publication on Thursday, May 21, 2026, confirmed Ngamana's definitive eviction from the legislative power. President Touadéra decided to remove Ngamana from the legislative body, marking a significant political shift for the figure. This move effectively concludes a tumultuous period for Ngamana within the National Assembly. The decision shows the President's authority in shaping the political landscape and resolving internal power struggles within the government. Ngamana's departure from the legislative branch represents a notable change in his political trajectory, moving him from an influential parliamentary role to an executive position under direct presidential oversight.
Parliamentary Power Struggle
The relationship between the president of the National Assembly, Simplice Mathieu Sarandji, and his former deputy, Évariste Ngamana, has reportedly reached a point of no return. Sarandji openly expressed his desire to no longer see Évariste Ngamana in the assembly. This public stance noted the deep animosity that had developed between the two prominent political figures. During the seventh legislature, Ngamana made multiple attempts to take over the presidency of the assembly, signaling his ambition for greater power within the legislative body. These efforts were met with strong resistance from Sarandji, who viewed them as direct challenges to his authority and position. The internal struggle for leadership within the National Assembly became a defining characteristic of this period.
Sarandji publicly accused Ngamana of sorcery, maraboutage, and nocturnal plots to kill him, according to reports. These serious allegations fueled the already tense atmosphere between the two politicians and added a layer of personal animosity to their professional disagreements. The accusations, widely reported, contributed to a perception of Ngamana as a controversial figure within the political establishment. Ngamana further faces accusations of possessing a fake diploma; a university report signed by Sarandji reportedly attests to this claim. This accusation of academic fraud, particularly with a document reportedly signed by Sarandji, intensified the personal and political conflict, providing Sarandji with additional leverage in his efforts to discredit Ngamana. The veracity of this report and its implications remain a point of contention within political circles.
Additionally, Ngamana's alleged secret calculations and computer fraud during the first round of legislative elections were unsuccessful. These attempts to manipulate election outcomes further illustrate the extent of the power struggle and the lengths to which political actors were willing to go to secure influence. The failure of these alleged schemes prevented Ngamana from consolidating power through illicit means. A simple deputy in the National Assembly receives a base salary of three million CFA francs, which can rise to between 3.5 to four million per month with allowances and missions. This financial incentive notes the significant material benefits associated with a parliamentary seat, making the struggle for such positions even more intense. The ongoing tensions between the two political figures have been a prominent feature within the legislative body, significantly impacting its functionality and public perception.
Ambitions and Obstacles
Media outlets, including Africa Intelligence, reported that Évariste Ngamana harbored ambitions for the Prime Minister position. His political aspirations extended beyond the National Assembly, aiming for a significant executive role within the government. These ambitions were reportedly a factor in the escalating tensions within the legislative body, as they positioned Ngamana as a potential rival for higher office, not just within the parliament but across the entire government structure. Ngamana's pursuit of the Prime Ministership was seen as a direct challenge to the existing political order and a clear indication of his desire to wield greater executive power.
Simplice Mathieu Sarandji, the president of the National Assembly, reportedly utilized his influence to obstruct Ngamana's potential appointment as Prime Minister. Sarandji's active role in blocking Ngamana's advancement demonstrates the depth of their rivalry and the strategic maneuvers employed in the Central African Republic's political arena. The ongoing power struggle and personal animosity between Sarandji and Ngamana, which had been evident in the assembly, played a key role in blocking Ngamana's path to higher office. Sarandji's efforts were reportedly successful in preventing Ngamana from achieving his ambition of becoming Prime Minister, thereby limiting his executive power. These actions highlight the deep-seated political rivalries shaping the Central African Republic's political landscape, where personal conflicts often intersect with institutional roles to determine political outcomes. The President's subsequent decision to remove Ngamana from the legislative body can be seen as a resolution to this protracted conflict, albeit one that reconfigures Ngamana's political standing.
A ministerial appointment, however, comes with a different financial structure. The salary for a Minister of State is capped at 1.5 million CFA francs. With additional expenses and allowances, this amount can reach a maximum of two million five hundred thousand CFA francs per month. This figure contrasts with the higher remuneration available to deputies in the National Assembly, where a simple deputy's salary can range from 3.5 to four million CFA francs with allowances. The financial disparity between a parliamentary seat and a ministerial portfolio is significant, making the shift potentially less lucrative for Ngamana. This financial aspect adds another layer of complexity to the interpretation of Ngamana's new role, suggesting that the move might not be entirely advantageous from a purely monetary perspective.
Ministerial Appointment and Monitoring
Évariste Ngamana has been appointed Minister of Communication and Media, assuming the additional role of government spokesperson. This appointment places him within the executive branch, directly under the President's authority. Ngamana's move to the Ministry of Communication and Media is described by some as a "golden trap" and a "political slow death." This characterization suggests that while the position appears prestigious, it may effectively neutralize his political influence and curb his ambitions for greater power. The term "golden trap" implies that the role, despite its official importance, may serve as a mechanism to control a potentially disruptive political figure.
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra's decision to place Ngamana within the government under the direct authority of the presidency ensures he is closely monitored. This direct oversight is a key aspect of Touadéra's strategy, designed to manage Ngamana's activities and prevent any further attempts to challenge the established order. By ensuring close monitoring, President Touadéra aims to contain Ngamana's influence and integrate him into a more controlled environment within the executive branch. This strategic placement reflects the President's intent to maintain stability and prevent internal political conflicts from undermining his administration. The appointment, therefore, serves a dual purpose: providing Ngamana with a high-profile role while simultaneously subjecting him to stringent presidential control.
