Corruption in the Central African Republic is tied to underdevelopment, fragmentation, and pervasive poverty in the country.
Ranked 149th out of 180 countries on Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, the Central African Republic's abundant natural resources have failed to translate into economic prosperity due to a succession of ineffective governments.
[1] David Dacko served as the country’s first president after the Central African Republic officially gained independence from France in 1960.
[1] Bokassa’s regime was also marked by brutal repression of political opposition and severe human rights abuses.
Noted cases include charges of widespread corruption and embezzlement of funds under André Kolingba's regime.
[5] The Central African Republic's (CAR) persistent struggle with corruption, evidenced by numerous scandals since independence, has severely hampered its economic development, political stability, and social fabric.
[6] Despite abundant natural resources such as diamonds, gold, and uranium, endemic corruption among political elites and government officials has resulted in a dismal GDP of only $2.52 billion.
In terms of transparency, the current iteration of the CAR’s constitution requires the President, Prime Minister, and government officials to declare their assets.