The disarmament operation of 36 combatants in the Central African Republic received technical, logistical, financial and security support from MINUSCA as part of its commitment to the peace process in the Central African Republic.
A total of 36 ex-combatants, including three women, were disarmed and 32 weapons of war, as well as 1,500 rounds of ammunition and 16 grenades, were collected.
This was made during a voluntary disarmament and demobilisation operation for ex-combatants conducted on 22 October in Kouango, in the Ouaka region of the Central African Republic, by a mobile team from the Implementation unit for the national disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation program.
At the end of the operation, each formally demobilised ex-combatant received a card certifying his new status.
The disarmament operation received technical, logistical, financial and security support from MINUSCA as part of its commitment to the peace process in CAR, according to a memo to APA on Thursday.
Jean-Luis Poumatchi, a former combatant who spent several years with the Anti-Balaka, returned his weapon and expressed hope that MINUSCA would continue to support the Central African government in its disarmament efforts. “I call on MINUSCA to help the government train us, who have just laid down our arms, so that we can contribute to the development of our place,” he said.
Among those who witnessed the operation was Reine Laguerre, a resident of the town of Kouango, who expressed her relief, saying: “I am very happy to witness this massive disarmament. I was able to see with my own eyes the quantity of weapons deposited.”
The sub-prefecture of Kouango, long marked by violence, now seeks to turn the page and look forward to a peaceful future conducive to development.
Lambert Boudou-Afamica, Sub-Prefect of Kouango, welcomed MINUSCA’s commitment, saying: “The joint mission of the DRC and MINUSCA in our sub-prefecture is of the utmost importance. I welcome their presence to support the government in this process.”
TE/sf/ac/lb/as/APA