MINUSCA continues its support to the Central African authorities in implementing its mandate, particularly through disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) activities, strengthening the presence of the State in Am-Dafock, protecting civilians, and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
Over the past week, a major voluntary disarmament operation conducted from 24 to 28 July in the localities of Besson and Péhouri, in the sub-prefecture of Baboua, enabled 100 combatants from the armed group Retour, Réclamation et Réhabilitation (3R) to voluntarily lay down their arms as part of the National Program for Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation Programme (UEPNDDRR).
The operation resulted in the collection of 69 weapons, more than 4,400 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, and 24 rockets. This operation follows a recent one carried out in Bangui, during which 34 ex-combatants from the UPC, 3R, and Anti-balaka groups also voluntarily laid down their weapons.
Thus, during the month of July alone, 134 ex-combatants voluntarily joined the DDR process, leading to the collection of 88 weapons, more than 6,800 rounds of ammunition and 26 rockets, with the support of MINUSCA. Since the launch of the National DDRR Program in 2018, 6,986 ex-combatants, including 391 women, have been disarmed and demobilized with the support of the Central African authorities and MINUSCA, thereby contributing to peace consolidation and the sustainable reduction of the circulation of weapons throughout the country.
Nearly one month after the attacks of 30 June against Am-Dafock, in Vakaga Prefecture, MINUSCA continues its efforts around four priorities: protection of civilians, support for maintaining and extending State authority, facilitating delivery of humanitarian assistance, and supporting the justice system. Thanks to the gradual strengthening of the security presence, local authorities have reported the beginning of the voluntary return of some displaced families to their homes.
As part of its mandate, the Mission continues to facilitate the deployment of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and their equipment to sustainably strengthen the presence of the State. This week, MINUSCA also supported several high-level visits to Birao and Am-Dafock, notably that of the Chief of the Defence Staff, accompanied by the Deputy Force Commander of MINUSCA, as well as that of a delegation of ten Members of Parliament from the Fertit region. This demonstrates the continued commitment of the national authorities to the populations of this region.
On the humanitarian front, the Mission facilitated the delivery of an additional 1,087 kilograms of assistance between Birao and Am-Dafock. Since the attack of 30 June, more than five tonnes of humanitarian aid have thus been safely delivered with the support of MINUSCA, enabling humanitarian partners to assist more than 17,000 displaced persons.
