Guillaume Rousalem-Psalmer, who claims to be the heir of the sultans of eastern Central African Republic, issued a statement on social media platforms on Sunday, April 26, 2026, calling for an end to foreign military operations and the initiation of Central African-led peace talks. Rousalem-Psalmer demanded the opening of a dialogue conducted by Central Africans. He stated, "Nul partenaire étranger ne peut saisir ce que vit un Centrafricain dans un village de brousse quand les coups de feu retentissent la nuit. Seul un Centrafricain peut porter cette douleur et la transformer en solution durable." He added that "les jeunes du Haut-Mbomou ne sont pas des combattants anti-État," clarifying that "Ce sont des fils qui défendent leurs familles face à des groupes armés que l’État n’a pas su contenir."
Critique of Foreign Involvement
Guillaume Rousalem-Psalmer claimed that the lands of the East and North have been "bloodied for years under the passive gaze of external partners." This statement implicitly criticized the role and effectiveness of international actors in the Central African Republic's protracted conflicts. Rousalem-Psalmer further called on President Faustin-Archange Touadéra to replace foreign arms with a council of sages drawn from the Central African social fabric. He emphasized that local wisdom and traditional leadership should guide peace efforts, proposing a shift away from reliance on external military solutions towards internally driven reconciliation. His appeal noted a desire for greater national ownership in addressing the country's security and political challenges, contrasting with the current strategies involving international military presence.
Youth as Defenders, Not Rebels
Guillaume Rousalem-Psalmer stated that the young people of Haut-Mbomou are not "combattants anti-État" (anti-state fighters). Instead, he characterized them as individuals defending their families against armed groups that the state has not effectively managed to contain. Rousalem-Psalmer's remarks aim to reframe the narrative around local youth, suggesting their actions are driven by a need for protection rather than opposition to the government. His perspective implies a failure of state institutions to provide security, forcing communities to organize their own defense mechanisms. The heir's statement distinguishes the motivations of these young individuals from those typically associated with rebel movements.
Call for Internal Mediation
Guillaume Rousalem-Psalmer, who claims to be the heir of the sultans of eastern Central African Republic, has committed to personally leading a mediation effort between the country's communities. This initiative aligns with his broader call for Central African-led peace talks and a reduction in foreign military involvement. Rousalem-Psalmer's pledge shows a desire for internal solutions to the nation's protracted conflicts, advocating for dialogue rooted in local understanding. His commitment to direct engagement aims to bridge divides and foster reconciliation from within the Central African social fabric. This proposed mediation effort seeks to empower communities to resolve their differences, moving away from reliance on external interventions.
Broader Context and Vision
Guillaume Rousalem-Psalmer's broader objective is for the year 2026 to mark the end of fear in every village across the Central African Republic. This vision underpins his calls for foreign force withdrawal and internally driven peace processes. He seeks to replace external military interventions with dialogue and local wisdom, aiming for a future where communities are secure through their own societal frameworks. His push for Central African-led solutions reflects a belief that national ownership is essential for achieving lasting stability and peace.
