The future of the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) in the Central African Republic is more uncertain than ever. Since its formation in December 2020, the CPC has been the main driver of armed opposition to President Touadéra. However, internal dissension and political disagreements have recently shaken the coalition, calling into question its cohesion and its ability to pursue its goal of overthrowing the existing regime.
One of the causes of these dissensions is the influence of François Bozizé within the CPC. Former president and coordinator of the coalition, Bozizé has lost authority and credibility in recent months. Forced to leave Chad for Bissau, he was the subject of criticism from other rebel leaders, who accused him of not being sufficiently involved militarily and financially in the fight.
The situation was further complicated with the departure of Mahamat Al-Khatim’s Patriotic Movement for the Central African Republic from the CPC. The latter decided to return to the fold of the Khartoum agreement and turn to Bangui, despite a life sentence handed down against him in absentia. This departure illustrates the disagreements within the coalition and the questioning of the effectiveness of the armed struggle.
In this context, the offer of dialogue presented by the UN seems to divide the CPC actors. Some see this proposal as an opportunity to avoid armed confrontation, while others reject it by recalling the broken promises after the 2019 Khartoum agreement. This proposal has also caused tensions within Bozizé’s political party , the KNK, divided between a branch supporting President Touadéra in Bangui and an ad hoc committee in Paris expressing a certain interest in the UN dialogue.
It is therefore clear that the future of the CPC is uncertain and subject to many internal and external challenges. The coalition must find a way to overcome its internal divisions and make a strategic decision about whether to engage in armed struggle or political dialogue. Whatever path it chooses, the CPC will face significant obstacles to achieving its goals of political change in the Central African Republic.