CAR Opposition Leader Arrested After Returning from Exil

Dominique Désiré Erenon Detained at Airport Despite President’s Call for Exiled Citizens to Return

Dominique Désiré Erenon, one of the Central African Republic’s most outspoken opposition figures, was arrested shortly after arriving at Bangui M’Poko International Airport. The leader of the March for Democracy and the People’s Salvation (MDSP) party had lived in exile in France for three years before responding to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s public invitation for all Central Africans abroad to return home.

Unclear Reasons Behind the Arrest
Authorities have yet to disclose the reason for Erenon’s arrest or announce any formal charges. The silence from government officials has triggered widespread speculation, with civil society organizations and opposition supporters condemning the move as politically motivated. Many view his detention as part of a broader trend of silencing dissent in the country.

Background: A Fierce Critic of Presidential Power
Erenon rose to prominence as a vocal opponent of constitutional reforms passed in 2016 that expanded presidential authority. Critics at the time described the reforms as a serious setback for democracy in a nation already struggling with internal conflict and instability. Erenon’s continued opposition to these policies led to increased pressure from the government, forcing him into exile in 2022 after he claimed to have narrowly escaped an abduction attempt.

Family and Party Demand Transparency
Erenon’s family, currently in contact with local lawyers and international observers, say they are closely monitoring the case. The MDSP party released a statement calling for his immediate release, emphasizing that Erenon’s return was motivated by his desire to “participate freely in national political dialogue” and to resume his duties as a university lecturer in public law.

Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Elections
The arrest comes just three months before the country’s general elections, scheduled for December. Opposition parties fear that the timing of the detention is a deliberate attempt to intimidate political rivals and suppress opposition activity. Analysts warn that such actions could undermine the credibility of the upcoming elections and reignite unrest in the already fragile state.

Interrogation and Legal Proceedings
Reports indicate that after being questioned by the Research and Investigation Section (SRI), Erenon is expected to be referred to the public prosecutor for a formal hearing. Human rights groups have urged authorities to respect due process and ensure that his detention does not violate international legal standards.

A History of Academic and Political Influence

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Before his political involvement, Erenon worked as a constitutional expert with the African Union and lectured in public law at the University of Bangui. His academic background and advocacy for democratic governance earned him both respect and hostility within the country’s political establishment. His arrest has reignited concerns about the shrinking space for intellectual and political freedom in the Central African Republic.

Growing Concerns Over State Control and Foreign Influence
Erenon’s detention occurs amid reports of increasing government control and the ongoing presence of Russian-linked mercenaries supporting President Touadéra’s administration. Observers believe this alliance has emboldened the government to act more aggressively against dissenters. Many fear that such developments are deepening the country’s dependence on external military actors and eroding democratic principles.

A Symbol of the Struggle for Democracy
For many Central Africans, Erenon’s arrest represents more than a single political dispute it highlights the fragile state of democracy in a country still recovering from years of conflict. His fate may serve as a test of the government’s commitment to political openness and justice as the nation heads toward another critical election season.

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