The government of the Central African Republic has declared a planned protest against rising fuel prices as illegal, following a previous demonstration that led to the arrest of civil society officials. Evariste Ngamana, a government spokesperson, stated that protesters would not be allowed to march, emphasizing the government’s stance on maintaining law and order.
Last month’s fuel price hike, which raised petrol costs to 1,150 CFA francs ($1.70) per litre and diesel to 1,400 CFA francs, has fueled widespread dissatisfaction among the populace. The upcoming protest, organized by the Republican Bloc for the Defence of the Constitution (BRDC), is scheduled for next Friday, as citizens demand a reduction in fuel prices.
Ngamana reiterated the government’s position, expressing that they would not permit any form of disorder. He mentioned that the BRDC is considered illegitimate and that the government must act in accordance with the law. Concerns surrounding the fuel market in the landlocked nation, known for its economic challenges, frequently lead to shortages and reliance on black market activities.
The BRDC is also calling for the immediate release of those arrested during the October protest, which saw four senior civil society members taken into custody. The government has yet to indicate what measures it will take to prevent the protests from occurring.
