Passing the Baccalaureate and losing it

By Sophie HERVOUET l LNC (

Bangui, 21 April 2026 | LAMINE MEDIA) On 20 February 2025, a decree was signed on the sly by the Minister for National Education, which only came to public attention recently, in the week of 13 April 2026, sparking widespread outrage across the country. And what did this decree say? That from now on, and on an exceptional basis, it would be possible to obtain the Baccalaureate and the Certificate of Proficiency in Home Economics and Social Studies by administrative decision, a measure that benefited several dozen citizens. But since the document came to light, a section of public opinion has suspected a ploy designed to favour certain candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections. The new Central African Constitution does indeed require that any candidate for a parliamentary seat must hold a baccalaureate, which has heightened questions regarding the timing and appropriateness of this decision. Faced with the outcry from protesters, the Minister of National Education, Aurélien Zingas, held a press conference on Saturday 18 April in Bangui, during which he firmly rejected any political motive, denouncing the allegations as ‘baseless’ and amounting to disinformation. However, he did not specify the criteria used to select the lucky few. However, he made it clear that this was by no means an arbitrary awarding of diplomas, but rather a measure to regularise the status of those who had actually passed their exams before losing their official diplomas. He explained that the destruction of administrative records, particularly in 2003 and during the various crises the country has experienced, has made certain verifications particularly difficult. “I signed this decision in good conscience. This is not about handing out A-levels at random, but about regularising diplomas that have genuinely been obtained,” he stated, pointing out that similar measures had already been taken in the past to enable the authentication of certain diplomas. However, despite his explanations, the controversy continues. For example, the civil society association I Gwé has announced its intention to take the matter to the administrative courts to seek the annulment of the decree. Its coordinator, Quentin Ngbouando, considers the decision “unacceptable”, arguing that the baccalaureate cannot be treated as a mere administrative formality. “The baccalaureate is a qualification based on meritocracy that opens the door to higher education. It is not a decoration that is awarded by decree,” he stated. Other individuals and associations are also considering filing complaints with the administrative court, citing a breach of the principles of equality and merit.

For: LAMINE MEDIA (in French and English) D

ate: 21 April 2026

Copyright ©: 2013–2026 All rights reserved: LAMINE MEDIA

BACK