The Mayor of Bangui Prevented from Resuming His Post

By Aline M'PANGBA-YAMARA (LNC) Director of LAMINE MEDIA Editor-in-Chief of LNC (Bangui, April 22, 2026 | LAMINE MEDIA) On Monday, April 20, something unbelievable happened in Bangui. After being placed on leave last October for the legislative elections at the end of last year, a decree from the Ministry of Territorial Administration had established an interim team. But when the mayor (incidentally, a friend of our leader) was supposed to resume his duties, Émile-Gros-Raymond Nakombo was prevented from doing so by some of the staff. The very next day, he denounced this to the press, claiming it was a setup, in collusion with the ministry, and saying he would take legal action. "If you want us to be a model in this country, we must respect the laws we ourselves enact." “From one day to the next, they say, ‘You’re on leave, but you’re not coming back,’” he fumed. He pointed out that, having been appointed by Touadéra, only he has the power to dismiss him. It should be noted that in the Central African Republic, mayors are appointed, and for some elected officials, it’s a real mess. “It’s not a ministerial decree that’s going to decide my fate, impossible,” the mayor declared, adding, “I’ve been at the head of the Bangui city hall for 10 years. I’ve managed the Bangui city hall at every level. I’ve brought in funding. These are complex issues.” “Enough is enough.” But outside, in front of the city hall, some of the staff are demonstrating and continuing to oppose his return. “Enough is enough,” reads a banner. As a side note, the mayor of Bangui had taken a leave of absence to run for parliament in the Sosso-Nakombo constituency, in the southwest of the country. He ultimately withdrew his candidacy to avoid facing his two brothers, who were also vying for the position. The Ministry of Territorial Administration has not commented. However, according to an internal source, they are awaiting the outcome of the second round of municipal elections, scheduled for April 26, before installing the newly elected mayors.

For: LAMINE MEDIA (in FR and GB) Date: April 22, 2026

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