Central African Republic opposition leader denounces seizure of his passport

On May 6, 2026, Anicet Georges Dologuélé, a former prime minister and prominent opposition leader in the Central African Republic, condemned the government's confiscation of his diplomatic passport. Dologuéléwas prevented from boarding a flight to Addis Ababa for an African Union Peace Fund meeting, a role he has held since 2018.

At the airport, Dologuéléwas informed that he was forbidden from leaving the country, effectively rendering him stateless. He had previously renounced his French citizenship to comply with national constitutional requirements when running against President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who secured a controversial third term in the December 2025 election.

Dologuéléhas been a vocal critic of Touadéra's administration, denouncing the election's integrity and receiving 13.1% of the vote. He continues to use a diplomatic passport from his tenure as prime minister, asserting that authorities have refused to issue him a new one.

This incident highlights ongoing political tensions in the Central African Republic, with opposition figures facing challenges in their political and professional engagements. The government's actions have raised concerns about political freedoms and the state of democracy in the country.