AEA Intervenes to Resolve Leadership Crisis at FATEB/BEST

In recent weeks, instability at La Faculté de Théologie Evangélique de Bangui (FATEB), also known as Bangui Evangelical School of Theology (BEST), in the Central African Republic escalated to the point where students blocked the school’s entrance. The action followed unresolved concerns that the administration had failed to address.

The crisis stemmed from a leadership vacuum created when the former board’s term expired without the timely appointment of successors. The situation deteriorated further when the School Dean reached retirement without a replacement in place. Although transition plans had been developed, their failure to be implemented led to the current standoff.

The escalating tensions prompted Dr. Master Matlhaope, Secretary General of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), to travel to the country on Christmas Eve to stabilize the situation. Upon arrival, he engaged with multiple stakeholders to understand the full scope of the crisis.

Dr. Matlhaope met with FATEB’s administrative staff to assess the situation firsthand, then consulted with national alliance leaders to hear their perspectives and recommendations. In a crucial session with student representatives, the students apologized for their actions before presenting their grievances.

Prior to the trip, the Theological Education Commission of AEA, FATEB’s supreme governing body, had convened to appoint new members to the FATEB Governing Council, which holds the authority to appoint the school’s dean. After consulting with all stakeholders, Dr. Matlhaope met with the newly appointed council members, presented the Theological Commission’s proclamation establishing the new board, and urged them to address the school’s pressing issues. The board subsequently elected Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne as chairman by unanimous vote.

Dr. Matlhaope then announced the new Governing Council to both staff and students, providing guidance on school operations and addressing the administrative and communication gaps that had fuelled the crisis. The new council is scheduled to meet on January 8, 2026, to establish the process for appointing a new dean. All actions were taken in accordance with the FATEB Constitution.

The situation has since stabilized, with both students and staff expressing satisfaction with the resolution. The school’s future outlook now appears promising.