Sixty-nine former combatants from the Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC) and anti-Balaka militia groups voluntarily laid down their weapons in Maloum, located within the Ouaka prefecture.
The disarmament operation, carried out by the Implementation Unit of the National Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation Programme (UEPNDDRR) with support from MINUSCA and local authorities, involved 62 UPC members and seven anti-Balaka fighters, including one female ex-combatant. The initiative led to the recovery of 37 weapons, 1,800 rounds of ammunition, and six rockets, all scheduled for destruction under established DDR protocol.
The surrender marks a significant milestone for the town of Maloum, where sustained community outreach and disarmament efforts have been active since July 2025 to reduce armed group activity. Aboubakar Maloum, First Deputy Mayor of the Ouro-Djafoun municipality, welcomed the development, noting that the region has achieved relative calm following years of severe instability. Peacebuilding officials, including Jean Jacson Daniel, coordinator of the MINUSCA DDR team, highlighted the voluntary nature of the operation and the surrender of heavy-caliber weaponry as a strong signal of commitment to the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic.
The 69 individuals, hailing from locations including Pombolo, Ebando, Nzako, and Bambari, are now transitioning into the official reintegration phase. Participants will either be screened for potential recruitment into the national defense and security forces or provided with socioeconomic training; for instance, former anti-Balaka member Andi Tayo Alida plans to pursue vocational training in tailoring, while former UPC fighter Moussa Mahamat expressed hope to join the national armed forces. The long-term success of the process now hinges on effective follow-up to ensure sustainable livelihoods for ex-combatants and lasting security across the Ouaka prefecture.