Simplice Mathieu Sarandji has consolidated his position in the National Assembly, securing the direct support of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra as a new bureau was established on Monday, May 11. This significant development included the deprivation of Évariste Ngamana's vice-presidency, marking a definitive shift in the legislative body's power structure. The re-election of Simplice Mathieu Sarandji for the eighth legislature shows his strengthened leadership. Sarandji acknowledged the challenges and political maneuvering that preceded his re-election, stating, "Many indulge in fetishism, in fortune-telling and in witchcraft, I know it. Yet, I always win. ... Hatred and jealousy will not help us advance." His remarks followed the assembly's restructuring, which saw the formal establishment of the new leadership.
New Bureau Leadership
The newly constituted bureau of the National Assembly, put in place on Monday, May 11, has a distinct composition. Évariste Ngamana is notably not included among the elected members of this new bureau. The updated leadership structure lists Simplice Mathieu Sarandji as the President of the National Assembly. Jean Symphorien MAPENZI has been appointed as the 1st Vice-President, taking on a key leadership role within the legislative body. Loïc HEYE ISSAKA assumes the role of 2nd Vice-President, further solidifying the new hierarchy. Josiane Prisca NDENGUILO is designated as 3rd Vice-President, adding to the diverse representation in the top ranks. Guy Samuel NGANATOUA holds the position of 4th Vice-President, completing the roster of Vice-Presidents.
The bureau's financial oversight roles, known as Questeurs, are critical for the management of the assembly's resources. These positions have been assigned to Maxime BONDJO, Christ-Eric GALLOT, and Teffal KOULOU, who will be responsible for financial administration. For the Secrétariat, which handles administrative and procedural tasks, Armand Maurice BAZAMBO and Dorothée TIYANGOU are listed. Additional Members of the bureau, contributing to its overall functioning and decision-making, include Max-Sylvain BALENDA, Virginie BANDEKO, Mollet ASSAFI, and Omer DOLE DOBIA. This full new structure is expected to guide the work of the National Assembly for the current legislative period.
Ngamana's Diminished Role
The recent changes represent a significant setback for Évariste Ngamana, who spent five years in the seventh legislature attempting to take the presidency of the National Assembly. Following the recent restructuring, Ngamana is now identified as a simple deputy, a stark contrast to his previous standing. He has reportedly been stripped of his previous influence within the legislative body, with his vice-presidency position now officially removed. His absence from the list of elected members of the new bureau further confirms his diminished role. Sources close to the situation indicate that Ngamana is currently considering resigning from his position as spokesperson for the Mouvement Cœurs Unis (MCU). This potential resignation would further mark a reduction in his public and political roles, showing the extent of the shift in power.
Political Context and Future
Simplice Mathieu Sarandji was re-elected as President for the eighth legislature of the National Assembly, a victory that was not without its political drama. His re-election occurred as Évariste Ngamana had to retreat, observing Sarandji's triumph by acclamation. Sarandji is formally listed as the President of the National Assembly, solidifying his leadership. Following his confirmation, Sarandji addressed the challenges he faced, stating, "Many indulge in fetishism, in fortune-telling and in witchcraft, I know it. Yet, I always win. ... Hatred and jealousy will not help us advance." His remarks showed the intense political maneuvering that preceded his re-election and the establishment of the new bureau. The consolidation of Sarandji's position, backed by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, marks a definitive shift in the National Assembly's leadership and sets the stage for its future direction.
