In Bangui, the head of the city’s special delegation, Émile-Gros-Raymond Nakombo, was denied access to his own office upon attempting to resume his duties this week, triggering a standoff with municipal staff and government authorities.
Nakombo had stepped aside in October 2025 to participate in the legislative elections held later that year. During his absence, the Ministry of Territorial Administration appointed an interim team to run the city. However, when he attempted to return to office on Monday, April 20, he was blocked by a section of municipal employees opposed to his reinstatement.
Speaking to the press the following day, Nakombo denounced what he described as a coordinated move against him, allegedly involving the ministry. He insisted he would take legal action. “If we want to set an example in this country, we must respect the laws we enact ourselves. One day you are placed on leave, and the next you are told you cannot return,” he said.
He further argued that since he was appointed by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, only the head of state has the authority to remove him from office. “It is not a ministerial decree that will decide my fate—impossible,” Nakombo declared, highlighting his decade-long tenure at the helm of Bangui’s municipality and pointing to projects and funding he claims to have secured.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high outside the city hall, where protesting staff continue to oppose his return. A banner reading “Enough is enough” was displayed by demonstrators. Speaking anonymously, one employee accused Nakombo of years of mismanagement, including alleged financial misconduct, unpaid salaries, and poor working conditions. “For ten years, he has been at the center of multiple scandals… enough is enough,” the employee said.
Nakombo had initially sought to run in the Sosso-Nakombo constituency in southwestern Central African Republic during the December 28 general elections but later withdrew his candidacy to avoid competing against his two brothers, who were also running.
The Ministry of Territorial Administration has yet to issue an official response. However, an internal source suggests that authorities are waiting for the outcome of the second round of municipal elections, scheduled for April 26, before installing newly elected mayors.
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