Faustin-Archange Touadéra will bid for a third term in this month's elections; he is now hailing Russian and Emirati support, rejecting criticism over Wagner and Neptune Oil and calls on outsiders to let Africans choose their leaders

Ten candidates have been provisionally approved for the presidential election scheduled for 28 December according to National Elections Authority; incumbent President Faustin Archange Touadera is seeking a third consecutive term as head of state

Chinese operators in Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture explored gold mining sites and with a diamond and gold expert they went through an evaluation tour of the area

A new project entitled "I Nga I Ke A Zo,", or "We too are human beings" was launched at Espace Linga Tèrè in Bangui, with the support of the EU, training in audiovisual production, leadership, civic participation women, youngs and people with disabilities

Rising fuel prices and the reintroduction of vehicle tax stickers under President Touadéra are creating social tensions in a fragile economic context leading up to the elections