Fuel price hike sparks protests in Central African Republic

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), on Friday to demand action over rising fuel prices and the release of five activists arrested during an earlier demonstration.
The protest brought together motorcycle taxi drivers, traders, residents, civil society groups and members of the opposition Republican Bloc for the Defence of the Constitution.

Fuel prices have risen since the beginning of October, pushing up transport and food costs in a country already struggling with shortages linked to insecurity and logistical challenges.
Demonstrators carried placards bearing messages including “A hungry belly has no ears” and “We are all equal in the face of the high cost of living”.

A protester, Stephane, 31, who declined to give his full name, said the rising cost of transportation was placing an unbearable burden on households.
“Transportation is costing me almost more than my house,” he told AFP.
He described the demonstration as a warning to the government, adding, “The people have had enough. Next time, there will be more of us out on the streets.”

The protesters also chanted, “Gas is expensive, everything is expensive, free our leaders,” while motorcycle taxi drivers pushed their vehicles to demonstrate the impact of fuel costs and shortages on their businesses.
The demonstration was organised by the opposition coalition, which had also called for a shutdown of Bangui on October 12. That action led to the arrest of five organisers from civil society groups, who remain in detention.

Although the government initially described Friday's march as illegal, it eventually allowed the demonstration to proceed. Armoured vehicles belonging to the United Nations peacekeeping mission and police personnel escorted the protesters.
A trader, Joachim Lessoua, 38, said rising prices were making it increasingly difficult for residents to survive.
“The rising prices of basic necessities are starting to suffocate us. Where will this situation lead us?” he asked.
BRDC spokesman Martin Ziguele said fuel prices had increased three times in a year, while the monthly minimum wage of 35,000 CFA francs, equivalent to about $59, had remained unchanged for more than 30 years.

President Faustin-Archange Touadera has defended the removal of fuel subsidies, saying rising international oil prices have made it impossible for the government to continue subsidising petroleum products.
The Central African Republic is among the world's poorest countries, and the latest fuel increases have intensified pressure on households already facing economic hardship.