Before President Faustin Archange Touadera, the influential rebel leader Ali Darassa formally surrendered his weapon to signify the conclusion of his rebellion and announce the disbandment of his Unity for Peace in Central African Republic (UPC) group.
The symbolic ceremony that took place Thursday in the capital city, Bangui, marked the signing of peace agreements between two rebel factions: UPC and 3R (Return, Reclamation, and Rehabilitation).
The groups have launched a series of hostile actions against Bangui with the aim of toppling President Touadera's government.
"I announce to both national and international audiences that our commitment is genuine, absolute, and irreversible," stated Ali Darassa, leader of UPC.
The agreements, backed by neighboring Chad, formalize the dissolution of the two military movements that had occupied the Far East, Center, West, North and Northwest regions of the country for a decade.
This occurs nearly three months following the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Bangui and the rebel groups.
As part of the agreement, the groups agree to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate.
Despite the continued efforts of small, organized groups to instill fear locally, the signing of this agreement has offered a glimmer of hope to a nation ravaged by conflict between Christian and Muslim militias.
In 2019, the Central African Republic reached a peace agreement with numerous armed groups; however, some of these factions resumed their insurgent activities mere days later.
UPC and 3R remain the most significant armed groups resisting Bangui, which maintains control over only a small portion of the country.
The Central African Republic has been grappling with conflict since 2013, when mainly Muslim rebels took control and ousted then-President François Bozizé from power.
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