Susan’s Note...

I am dumbfounded by the fact that, after a century or more, the Central African Republic is still relying on open-fire cooking—as if time itself had stopped, trapped somewhere in the past. The same goes for meals: I wonder how something as vile as a cassava dough ball—a dish originating from the Americas—ever ended up here. It is a far cry from the European tradition of a starter (or perhaps soup in winter), a main course, cheese, and dessert. In the Central African Republic, there is none of that: just a single dish centered around a cassava ball, with everyone eating from the same bowl—and that’s it. When you consider that nearly half the country is struggling just to find food, the whole situation becomes clear.
Furthermore, the country is landlocked, which should make its roads a precious asset. Yet, that is not the case; the roads have been left to decay, with no maintenance since the era of Bokassa—more than 50 years ago. And, whatever one might think of that period, compared to today, those were "blessed" times. Isn't it a disgrace that a capital city of a million people lacks even an international-standard stadium, forcing its "national" team—though that term is used loosely, as they are really just "Bangui’s Susan’s Note...
I am dumbfounded by the fact that, after a century or more, the Central African Republic is still relying on open-fire cooking—as if time itself had stopped, trapped somewhere in the past. The same goes for meals: I wonder how something as vile as a cassava dough ball—a dish originating from the Americas—ever ended up here. It is a far cry from the European tradition of a starter (or perhaps soup in winter), a main course, cheese, and dessert. In the Central African Republic, there is none of that: just a single dish centered around a cassava ball, with everyone eating from the same bowl—and that’s it. When you consider that nearly half the country is struggling just to find food, the whole situation becomes clear.
Furthermore, the country is landlocked, which should make its roads a precious asset. Yet, that is not the case; the roads have been left to decay, with no maintenance since the era of Bokassa—more than 50 years ago. And, whatever one might think of that period, compared to today, those were "blessed" times. Isn't it a disgrace that a capital city of a million people lacks even an international-standard stadium, forcing its "national" team—though that term is used loosely, as they are really just "Bangui’s internationals"—to play their home games abroad? I say "Bangui’s internationals" because there is no national league for any sport whatsoever.
As for politics, there is merely a facade of democracy. In reality, Touadéra has manipulated the Constitution to entrench his own power. He brought in the Russians without consulting a soul. And who does that bother? The country’s institutions are entirely beholden to Touadéra. Who dares to speak up? Meanwhile, the slightest criticism directed at members of the government lands you in prison. It all bears a striking resemblance to a dictatorship. And where does that leave the people? Let’s just call them a negligible factor—something that can be bought off with a few CFA franc notes. On top of that, there’s the begging for handouts from the "partners" who are propping up the country. Long live the Republic!

Thanks to the "boss" for any necessary corrections, fact-checking, and annotations.

By Susan CARTER-JONES | LNC

Date: October 26, 2026
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