President Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic (CAR) on Thursday, 22 May 2025, signed a decree constituting a new government in Bangui, appointing four ministers of state, 26 ministers, and two minister delegates at the proposal of Prime Minister Felix Moloua. The reshuffle follows Moloua's reappointment as head of government six days earlier, making him the first prime minister under the country's newly proclaimed Seventh Republic.

Key Appointments and Retentions

Arnaud Djoubaye Abazene was retained as Minister of State for Justice, Human Rights Promotion and Good Governance and keeper of the seals, while Aurelien Simplice Zingas kept his portfolio as Minister of State for National Education. Continuity was also maintained at critical economic and diplomatic posts: Sylvie Baipo Temon remained Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Central Africans Abroad, and Herve Ndoba held on to the Finance and Budget ministry.

Among the notable changes, former Minister of Energy Development and Hydraulic Resources Arthur Bertrand Piri was elevated to Minister of State for Equipment and Public Works. Evariste Ngamana, spokesperson for the ruling party United Hearts Movement, was named Minister of State for Communication and Media and government spokesperson.

Context: Post-Election Government Formation

The decree arrives more than a month after Touadera's swearing-in for a new seven-year term, following the 28 December 2025 presidential election in which he reportedly secured 77.9 per cent of the vote. In keeping with post-election convention, Moloua had submitted his resignation in early May; Touadera accepted it before reappointing him days later. Moloua, who was first appointed prime minister in 2022, previously served as the country's minister of planning, economy, and cooperation.

The 68-year-old Touadera, who has been president since 2016, is now serving his third term in office. Local media reports indicate the new cabinet has been tasked with accelerating development and reinforcing peace efforts in the conflict-affected nation.

Significance for a War-Torn Nation

The Central African Republic has endured prolonged instability, with armed groups controlling significant portions of its territory for over a decade. The formation of a new government under a fresh presidential mandate is being watched closely as a signal of whether Touadera's administration can consolidate the fragile security gains of recent years. Notably, the retention of key ministers in finance and foreign affairs suggests a preference for policy continuity over sweeping change.

With the cabinet now in place, attention turns to whether the government will translate its stated development and peace mandate into measurable progress on the ground.