The Implementation Unit of the National Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation Programme (UEPNDDRR) launched on Friday in Besson, in the Baboua sub-prefecture, an operation to disarm and demobilise fighters from the Return, Reclamation and Rehabilitation (3R) movement.
The operation is with support from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
The DDR carried out as part of the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, aims to help armed group members abandon violence and gradually return to civilian life.
During the first day of the programme, 30 fighters were taken into care in Besson, a locality located about 160 kilometres from Bouar. The sultan-mayor of Besson, Amadou Bi Farikou, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the involvement of local authorities in raising awareness among young people about the peace process.
“No development is possible without peace,” said Yaya Adamou, political coordinator of the 3R movement, calling on armed groups that have not yet joined the process to accept the government’s offer of dialogue.
The operation is expected to continue in the coming days in Péhouri, located about 120 kilometres from Bouar, also within the Baboua sub-prefecture.
Through its support for the national DDR programme, MINUSCA aims to assist the Central African government’s efforts to stabilize the country, strengthen security and ensure the sustainable reintegration of former combatants.
The DDR process remains one of the key pillars of peace consolidation in the Central African Republic, a country that has faced years of armed group activity across several regions.
The demobilisation of fighters and their reintegration into communities are expected to help reduce violence, rebuild trust and create conditions for sustainable development.
TE/Sf/lb/as/APA