Central African Republic and UN Launch New Disarmament Program
The Central African Republic's government and the United Nations have launched a new disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) program for former fighters, a critical step in the country's ongoing peace process. This initiative follows a peace agreement signed in April 2025.
Key Details of the Program:
Purpose: The DDR program aims to collect weapons from former combatants, formally demobilize them from armed groups, and help them reintegrate into civilian life. This is a crucial step toward stabilizing the country and consolidating peace.
Peace Agreement: The new disarmament efforts follow a peace agreement signed in Chad on April 19, 2025, between the CAR government and two major armed groups, the Unity for Peace in Central Africa (UPC) and the Return, Claim, Rehabilitation (3R). The agreement calls for the dissolution of these two movements.
Revitalization of a Broader Plan: This program is a key part of the revitalization of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic (APPR-RCA).
Implementation and Support:
Leading Bodies: The program is being carried out by CAR's national DDR unit (UEPNDDRR) with significant support from the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
UN's Role: MINUSCA is providing technical, logistical, security, and financial support. This includes deploying peacekeepers to secure the disarmament sites, providing demobilization kits, and assisting with the deployment of mobile teams.
Disarmament Sites: Disarmament operations have begun at multiple sites, including in Koui, Ouham-Pendé prefecture, and Maloum, Ouaka prefecture.
Process and Outcomes:
Phased Process: Former fighters go through several stages, including handing over weapons, undergoing medical examinations, receiving psycho-social support, and being identified for future opportunities.
Reintegration Options: Only former combatants who meet specific eligibility criteria will be integrated into the country's Defence and Security Forces or provided with socio-economic support to start new lives.
Initial Results: As of late July, in Koui, 75 former fighters from the 3R armed group had turned in their weapons, including around 60 firearms. Similarly, a significant arsenal was collected from former UPC combatants at the Maloum site.
Challenges and Public Reaction:
Past Failures: Previous disarmament programs have faced challenges, including a lack of resources and security, which has sometimes led to renewed violence.
Ongoing Violence: Despite the peace agreement, some small, organized groups continue to operate and sow terror in parts of the country, highlighting the ongoing security challenges.
Public Hope: The new agreement and the commencement of the DDR program have brought a "glimmer of hope" to a country that has been torn apart by conflict for decades.
