Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has publicly defended the launch of the CAR memecoin, pushing back against claims that his social media account had been compromised or that the promotional video used to announce the token was generated with deepfake technology. The controversy emerged soon after the token was introduced on Feb. 9 through a video posted on the president’s X account, prompting skepticism across crypto circles and social media.
Presidency Rejects Deepfake Claims
According to the president’s media team, the video used to launch the CAR memecoin was authentic. The original recording was made in French, while an unidentified compatriot based in Paris reportedly handled the English translation. Officials close to the presidency said the unusual rollout may have fueled suspicion, but insisted that the concerns do not prove the announcement was fraudulent.
Albert Yaloké Mokpeme, a spokesperson for the presidency, acknowledged in comments reported by TF1 Info that the way the memecoin was introduced created understandable doubt. In his view, people naturally wanted reassurance, especially given how quickly token promotions can spread online and how often crypto-related scams have used high-profile names to attract attention. He also suggested that the timing of the launch, which raised eyebrows for some observers, could be explained by the intention to reach audiences in different parts of the world.
Almost immediately after Touadéra’s post appeared, speculation began to spread that his X account had been hacked. Some commentators and self-described deepfake detection experts argued that the video contained inconsistencies, which they said pointed to manipulation. Those claims gained traction because crypto users have become increasingly sensitive to suspicious celebrity or political endorsements, especially when they involve memecoins or rapidly launched tokens.
Why the Market Reacted With Suspicion
The broader environment helps explain why the CAR memecoin launch triggered such intense scrutiny. In recent years, cybercriminals have repeatedly hijacked social media accounts belonging to public figures and used them to promote fake cryptocurrencies. In many of these incidents, the account owners eventually regain access, but only after followers and investors have already sent funds or bought fraudulent tokens that collapse in value.
One recent example cited in the coverage involved Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji. By the time he regained control of his X account, hackers had reportedly stolen nearly $1.5 million through a fake crypto promotion. Incidents like that have conditioned users to question sudden token endorsements, especially when they come from government officials or internationally known personalities.
That backdrop meant the CAR memecoin was always likely to face a credibility challenge from the moment it was announced. The doubts were not only about the authenticity of the president’s message, but also about whether a national leader should be directly associated with a memecoin project, a category of digital assets often known more for speculation and internet-driven narratives than for clear economic utility.
Touadéra Reaffirms Support for Blockchain and CAR Memecoin
In a post published on Feb. 12, Touadéra thanked TF1 Info for helping clarify the situation and firmly rejected the allegations. He said his account had not been hacked, that he was not the victim of any deepfake campaign, and that he remained committed to innovation, blockchain, and the development of the CAR memecoin in the Central African Republic.
The president’s statement was intended to settle the most immediate question surrounding the launch: whether the announcement actually came from him. On that point, the presidency has delivered a clear and consistent message. However, while the authenticity issue may have been addressed from the government’s perspective, the episode highlights how fragile trust can be in crypto markets when communication is handled through social platforms and when token launches appear suddenly.
Credibility Now Depends on Transparency
At this stage, the central debate is no longer limited to whether Touadéra personally endorsed the project. It has expanded into a wider discussion about transparency, governance, and the reputational risks attached to state-linked crypto initiatives. A memecoin tied to a sitting president is almost guaranteed to attract both attention and criticism, particularly in a market where hype-driven assets can produce dramatic price swings and expose retail participants to heavy risk.
For supporters, the president’s continued public backing of the project signals that the Central African Republic wants to be seen as open to digital innovation and blockchain experimentation. For critics, the controversy surrounding the launch serves as a reminder that authenticity alone does not guarantee legitimacy, sound execution, or investor protection.
What happens next for the CAR memecoin will likely depend on how much additional information is provided, how the project is managed, and whether officials can convince observers that it is more than a headline-grabbing token launch. For now, Touadéra has made his position unmistakable: the announcement was real, the account was secure, and he intends to keep supporting blockchain-related development tied to the initiative.