LEGITIMIZING POWER IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: THE CASE OF BARTHÉLEMY BOGANDA

The aim of the analysis we have undertaken in this book is to examine the political reality of the Central African Republic, to understand the colonial situation in relation to the emergence of the politician Barthélémy BOGANDA, whom we have discovered through his political thought and charismatic personality. When successive regimes run out of ideas or projects to lead their country, they refer to Barthélémy BOGANDA's charisma and make a string of them. Even in the 21st century, his successors (civilian and military) are still the cup of tea or coffee for the many politicians who fail to conjugate the five verbs of MESAN: Clothe, House, Care, Feed and Educate. The political ideals bequeathed by Barthélémy BOGANDA have been more instrumentalized than valorized in the Central African Republic since his tragic death. The various political regimes have made selective use of them, favouring those with a circumstantial connection to the political, social and cultural context of the time to legitimize their power.