Leaders of two rebel groups in CAR dissolve armed movements to join peace process

YAOUNDE, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Two rebel leaders in the Central African Republic (CAR) announced the dissolution of their armed movements on Thursday in the capital city of Bangui, pledging to join the country's peace and reconciliation process, the Ministry of Communication and Media said in a statement.

During a ceremony presided over by President Faustin-Archange Touadera, Ali Darass, leader of the Union for Peace in the CAR (UPC), and Sembe Bobo, leader of the Return, Reclamation and Rehabilitation (3R) group, laid down their arms and committed to working toward lasting peace.

The announcement comes in the wake of peace agreements signed in April between the CAR government and the rebel factions in neighbouring Chad, which acted as mediator in the negotiations.

Touadera said the gesture by the rebel leaders has given "the best of hope" in the country. "I urged all leaders and militants of armed groups to firmly adhere to the peace process in view of participating in the development of our dear fatherland," he said during the event.

The UPC and 3R were among five rebel groups that founded the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) in 2020. The coalition was formed with the objective of toppling Touadera after his re-election for a second term.

The CPC is led by former CAR President Francois Bozize, who is currently in exile. Enditem