While Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema hasn’t declared his candidacy, last year’s constitutional referendum highlighted his popularity ahead of the presidential vote.
The United Nations and African Union have called for Mali's President Bah Ndaw, who is being detained alongside his prime minister and defence minister, to be released by military soldiers.
Cameroon's President Paul Biya has commenced regional elections despite opposition party's boycott which has called for Biya's 40-year presidential rule to end.