Who runs local government in Central African Republic?
On paper the 2023 constitution makes communes and regions self-governing local authorities run by elected bodies, but for decades mayors were appointed by the government. The 28 December 2025 combined elections included the first municipal elections since 1988, so elected councils are only now being set up. Across much of the country, village and neighbourhood chiefs, sultans and, in some areas, armed groups have more day-to-day influence than formal councils.
Central African Republic · Unitary presidential republic · Central Africa
The levels of government below the nation
| Level | How it is chosen | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Regions | Elected regional bodies under the 2023 constitution (first regional ballot held 28 December 2025) | New decentralised tier; powers still being set out in law. |
| Prefectures and sub-prefectures | Prefects and sub-prefects appointed by the government | Deconcentrated state administration; the constitution makes the state representative responsible for 'administrative control and respect for the laws'. |
| Communes | Municipal councils elected 28 December 2025; previously run by government-appointed 'special delegations' and mayors | Local services and development in towns and rural communes. |
| Villages and urban neighbourhoods (quartiers) | Village and neighbourhood chiefs, chosen locally and recognised by the administration | First point of contact for residents; conflict settlement. |
Three questions about local power in Central African Republic
Are local leaders elected?
From December 2025, municipal and regional councillors are elected. Prefects and sub-prefects are appointed. Chiefs and sultans hold office by custom and recognition, not by public election.
Which laws set up local government?
Communes, regions and the National Chamber of Sultans and Traditional Chiefs are all in the 2023 constitution. Peace committees, self-defence groups and armed-group 'administrations' have no legal basis.
Who are local leaders accountable to?
Councils will answer to voters and to state supervision through the government's representative. Chiefs answer to their communities and to the administration. In areas outside state control, accountability is weak.
Traditional and customary authority
The 2023 constitution (Title XII, Article 177) creates a National Chamber of Sultans and Traditional Chiefs that brings together all sultans and traditional chiefs. Its listed tasks are to promote customs, peace and social cohesion and to settle disputes in villages and between communities by non-judicial means; its make-up is to be fixed by an organic law. Chiefs therefore have a formal but advisory and mediating role, not law-making or court powers. In practice chiefs and religious leaders (Catholic, Protestant and Muslim) have been central to local peace and reconciliation committees during the conflicts since 2013, while in some areas armed groups have levied taxes and imposed their own administration.
Community and neighbourhood power
Local peace and reconciliation committees, women's and youth associations, and church and mosque networks organise much community life, often with support from the UN mission (MINUSCA) and NGOs. Village self-defence groups exist in some areas. These bodies are mostly informal or registered associations and link to the state through the chief and the sub-prefect.
Points to know
- UN officials described the December 2025 combined presidential, legislative, regional and municipal polls as the most extensive electoral operation ever held in the country.
- Women made up over 47% of voters and about 45% of municipal candidates in December 2025, according to the UN.
- Municipal elections were a commitment in the 2019 peace agreement between the government and armed groups.
- The constitution makes the state's representative in each local authority the representative of every government minister, a strongly centralised model inherited from France.
Local terms
- Délégation spéciale
- A government-appointed body that runs a commune when there is no elected council.
- Sultan
- A senior traditional ruler, especially in the north and east.
Sources
- Constitution de la République centrafricaine (VIIe République), promulguée le 30 août 2023, FAO FAOLEX (UN Food and Agriculture Organization), checked 14 October 2026
- Historic vote looms in Central African Republic as UN urges peaceful participation (Dec 2025), UN News, checked 14 October 2026
- Central African Republic enters 'decisive' phase after landmark elections (Feb 2026), UN News, checked 14 October 2026
- Post-Election Progress in Central African Republic Remains Fragile, Mission Head Tells Security Council (SC/16305), United Nations Meetings Coverage, checked 14 October 2026
See also: Central African Republic's official statistics and leaders · the 10 levels of power.