Vehicle owners who provided vehicles for the investiture of Faustin-Archange Touadéra in the Central African Republic reported receiving partial payment for their services. The vehicles were specifically mobilized for the investiture ceremony of Faustin-Archange Touadéra, which took place on March 30, 2026. This significant event was held at the 20,000-seat stadium in Bangui, the capital city. The payment provided to these owners was calculated for a six-day rental period, despite the vehicles being available for eight days for the presidential investiture. This discrepancy has been a central point of contention for the vehicle owners.
Delayed and Incomplete Payments
The owners of these vehicles received their payment on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Ministry of Transport. This payment finally settled an issue that had persisted for over a month, causing considerable frustration among the service providers. Vehicle owners had made their vehicles available for eight days for the presidential investiture, providing key logistical support for the event. However, they were ultimately compensated for only a six-day rental period, leaving two days of service unremunerated. This partial payment has been a source of significant grievance for those who contributed to the ceremony.
Presidential Promises and Speculation
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra himself met with the vehicle owners in Damara on April 19, where he reportedly promised a swift resolution to their payment issues. This direct engagement from the President had initially raised hopes for a full and timely settlement. Despite this assurance from the head of state, the full settlement remained outstanding for several weeks following the meeting. Sources close to the matter have suggested that the government's decision to withhold payment for two days of rental was a deliberate punitive measure. This action, according to these sources, was intended as a punishment for media outlets that had reported on the ongoing dispute between the vehicle owners and the government following the investiture ceremony. The delayed and partial payment has left many owners expressing profound frustration over the discrepancy between their service provision and the compensation received, especially given the President's personal intervention.
Investiture Financing Details
The investiture ceremony for President Faustin-Archange Touadéra received substantial financial contributions from various groups, noting the collaborative effort to stage the event. The Lebanese community of Central African Republic contributed over 700 million Francs CFA towards the event, demonstrating their support for the presidential investiture. Separately, Chadian merchants reportedly provided 200 million Francs CFA to support the investiture, adding another significant sum to the event's budget. These considerable financial contributions from both the Lebanese community and Chadian merchants helped finance the presidential ceremony, covering various operational costs, including, presumably, vehicle rentals. The total amount contributed by these two groups alone shows the scale of the financial backing for the investiture.
Lingering Grievances
Two days of rental fees for the vehicles used during the presidential investiture were reportedly erased without any official government explanation, leaving a significant gap in the expected compensation. The discrepancy between the eight days the vehicles were available and the six days for which owners were compensated has generated ongoing discontent among the service providers. Vehicle owners have not received a formal clarification regarding the decision to reduce their remuneration, leaving them with lingering grievances over the incomplete payment for their services. The absence of an official statement regarding the two uncompensated days has further fueled frustration among those who provided essential transportation services for the ceremony, as they seek transparency and fair compensation.
