CAR’s leader replaces chief of Constitutional Court despite opposition

Faustin-Archange Touadera, President of Central African Republic (CAR) appointed Monday new Chief of the country’s Constitutional Court amid rejection by the opposition.

A decree signed by the president announced the appointment of Jean-Pierre Waboé in replacement of Danièle Darlan, put on retirement late October by the President.

In the decree, Touadera indicated that he “ratifies the election” by the judges of the Constitutional Court of Jean-Pierre Waboé.

Tension flared up between Touadera and the opposition over the past weeks after he put Darlan on retirement after the latter opposed the modification of the fundamental law in view of the 3rd mandate.

The opposition on Friday slammed the move and called on the President to reinstate members of the Constitutional Court illegally dismissed, in order to preserve the separation of powers, the independence of justice and the credibility of this body responsible for certifying elections.

The bar of Bangui branded “illegal” the removal of Darlan and Trinidad Bango Sangafio (a court judge), deeming the move is dictated by the executive’s desire to subjugate the judiciary.

Touadera came to power in March 2016. Critics believe he wants to change the constitution to be able to run for a third term in office.