69 ex-combatants of the Anti-balaka group, including three women, voluntarily laid down their arms in Bossangoa, in the Ouham Prefecture (northwest of CAR). Transferred from Benzambe as part of the disarmament process, these former members of armed groups chose to renounce violence and embark on a path toward reintegration, with the support of the National DDRR Programme Implementation Unit (UEPNDDRR) and MINUSCA.
The weapons handover ceremony took place on 1 November 2026 in the presence of the Governor of the Yade Region, Barthélémy Ouilikon, and the General Coordinator of the National DDRR Programme Implementation Unit (UEPNDDRR), Samuel Touatena, with support from MINUSCA. In total, 18 weapons, 15 explosive devices, 1,055 rounds of ammunition, and 22 magazines were collected.
A former member of an armed group, Hortense Zangbinon encouraged those who are still in the bush to follow the same path. “I call on my former comrades-in-arms: it is time to come out and seize this opportunity to return to a normal life,” she said. Among the ex-combatants, 18 individuals, including one woman, meet the eligibility criteria for the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programme. The others will be able to benefit from tailored reintegration initiatives.
The General Coordinator of the National DDRR Programme Implementation Unit (UEPNDDRR), Samuel Touatena, reaffirmed that the process remains open to all those willing to renounce violence. “The DDRR process is open to everyone who demonstrates a willingness to lay down their arms and renounce violence. For those who do not meet the eligibility criteria, an alternative has been provided under the Community Violence Reduction (CVR) project,” he explained.
For his part, the Governor of the Yade Region, Barthélémy Ouilikon emphasized that: “The local authorities remain fully committed to supporting the peace policy advocated by the Head of State.”
At the conclusion of the operation, the 69 ex-combatants received essential kits as well as financial assistance pending further support. Beyond the weapons collected, this initiative represents a new opportunity for these men and women to reclaim their place within their communities and contribute to the consolidation of peace in the region.
On the sidelines of this activity, the Cameroonian Battalion of MINUSCA organized civil-military initiatives for the benefit of local populations, including free medical consultations and healthcare services, as well as the provision of safe drinking water, thereby strengthening its support to the communities of Bossangoa.
Marien Belarmin Nambea
