U.S. Embassy Statement on the Constitutional Court’s January 18 Proclamation

United States Embassy, Central African Republic

Press Release

January 19, 2021

On January 18, the Central African Republic’s Constitutional Court proclaimed definitive results for the first round of voting. The Embassy notes the court proclaimed President Faustin Archange Touadera as the winner in the first round with 53.16 percent of the votes cast.  We call on all parties to respect the court’s ruling and to support the democratic processes in the Central African Republic (CAR).

At the same time, the United States is deeply disturbed by the violence that has continued to take place since the holding of elections December 27. This violence has unnecessarily cost the lives of innocent civilians, FACA soldiers, and MINUSCA peacekeepers, including the most recent report of a Gabonese and a Moroccan blue helmet both killed today near Bangassou. We send our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims.

Violence of any kind is unacceptable and must end.  The United States encourages all parties to remain committed to the democratic process, to CAR’s constitution, and to the rule of law.  We call on CAR’s political leaders to adhere to the democratic principles of good governance and equal treatment for all under the law, and to build an inclusive government that represents and serves all Central Africans.

We believe an inclusive and accessible democracy is the best path for Central Africans, who wish to move away from the repeated crises of the past and towards peace, stability, and development. To the men and women of the Central African Republic we say: The United States will always stand side by side with those who choose peace.