• BGFIBank demands $8.8M from Tamoil RCA, threatens asset seizure

• Tamoil disputes debt size, cites existing repayment agreement

• Fuel shortages, tax issues deepen CAR energy sector crisis

Gabonese bank BGFIBank has issued a formal notice to oil products distributor Tamoil RCA, formerly Total Centrafrique, demanding the payment of 4.68 billion CFA francs (about $8.8 million) by August 25. The bank, citing an internal document reviewed by Africa Intelligence on Monday, August 25, 2025, threatened to seize assets used as collateral if the payment is not made. The assets include Jet-A1 fuel stocks, four service stations, and the company's headquarters.

BGFIBank accuses Tamoil RCA of failing to make any repayments on the credit line it was granted, stating that the company fully used its credit facilities without any corresponding payments.

Tamoil RCA's majority shareholder, Rochefort International, disputes the claim. The company's vice president, Simon Richet, said the actual debt is no more than 3.5 billion CFA francs and that a five-year repayment plan had already been agreed upon. He also contested the extent of the collateral, stating that a mortgage on the headquarters is the only security the company provided.

The relationship between Tamoil RCA and BGFIBank has deteriorated in recent months. In July 2025, a bailiff requested the release of 150 million CFA francs to cover unpaid salaries. The bank rejected the request, accusing Tamoil RCA of continuing to seek financing despite its failure to make repayments. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, CEO Clovis Kape was replaced by Sylvain Wabangue, an internal executive.

Tamoil RCA's difficulties are part of a broader crisis in the Central African Republic's energy sector. For nearly two years, the company has been hindered by tax arrears. Its service stations have already been requisitioned by the government, which has criticized Tamoil RCA for failing to supply the country with fuel. The situation had caused a severe shortage in the capital, Bangui, and at Bangui-M'poko airport.

Tamoil entered the Central African market for petroleum product distribution in August 2023 after Rochefort International, a Paris and London-based investment bank, acquired all of TotalEnergies' shares in the Central African Republic.

Chamberline Moko