Martin Ziguélé, the president of the Mouvement de Libération du Peuple Centrafricain (MLPC), has criticized the government’s economic policies following the passage of a new regulation law on 15 September. Ziguélé, a former Prime Minister and former president of the Finance Commission of the National Assembly, cited economic data indicating that 67% of the Central African population lives on less than 1000 francs CFA per day.
This specific figure, 67% of the Central African population living with less than 1000 francs CFA per day, serves as the cornerstone of the critique leveled by the MLPC leadership. By noting this statistic, Martin Ziguélé draws attention to the daily struggle for survival faced by the majority of citizens. The passage of the law on 15 September, which concerns economic regulation, has prompted this formal response from the opposition leader, who believes the legislative framework fails to account for the harsh realities of the current economic climate.
Addressing the financial status of citizens, Ziguélé stated, "Les Centrafricains n’arrivent plus à gérer leur vie sur le plan financier." He argued that the current administration possesses the necessary information to address these hardships but lacks the political will to act, noting, "Le gouvernement sait exactement ce qu’il veut faire, mais ce qu’il ne veut pas, c’est le faire."
For Martin Ziguélé, the disconnect between the government and the populace is a matter of deliberate choice rather than a lack of understanding or data. As the former president of the Finance Commission of the National Assembly, he maintains that the mechanisms for economic improvement are well-known to those in power. By failing to implement policies that would alleviate the financial burden on the 67% of the population living on less than 1000 francs CFA per day, the administration is, in his view, neglecting its primary duty to the public.
The MLPC leader expressed his position regarding the influence of international financial institutions on national policy. "Si vous avez du respect pour le peuple centrafricain, si vous avez pitié de la souffrance du peuple centrafricain, vous n’avez pas besoin que la Banque mondiale ou le FMI ou qui que ce soit vienne vous dire ce que vous devez faire," Ziguélé said. He further emphasized the urgency of the situation by adding, "Je pense qu’il faut avoir pitié de ce peuple."
In his capacity as the president of the Mouvement de Libération du Peuple Centrafricain (MLPC), Ziguélé insists that national sovereignty should dictate economic strategy. He argues that reliance on external entities like the Banque mondiale or the FMI should not be used as an excuse for inaction. He believes that a government truly committed to the welfare of its people would act independently to resolve the crisis.
Looking toward the future, Ziguélé stated, "Un jour viendra au cours du peuple centrafricain et saura." This final reflection shows his belief that the long-term consequences of these economic decisions will eventually become clear to the citizenry, marking a turning point in the nation’s political and economic trajectory.
