Government forces, Russian allies conduct operation against UPC in CAR

Central African Republic government forces have regained control of most of the country after losing large areas during the civil war that devastated the country.

However, the UPC (Union for Peace in Central African Republic) group, backed by various Western powers, is still present in some areas.

In order to dislodge armed groups, government forces conducted military operations under the cover of Russian allies, most recently on May 25, 2024, against Ali Darassa’s UPC mercenaries in the eastern Central African Republic city of Mboki.

A source close to the army confirmed that the local population in Mboki demanded the intervention of government forces to protect them and restore justice.

A decision was taken to conduct a military operation to disarm illegal armed formations.

The same source emphasised that MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic) representatives did not inform the Central African Armed Forces of the presence of a large number of armed men in this area, around 150 to 200.

Military units of the FACA (French: Forces Amees Centra Africaines) and Russian allies moving by road east of Obo were met by a delegation that identified itself as from the district administration near the MINUSCA camp.

This delegation confirmed to government forces that there were no armed men in the town and that they had all left the town a few days ago.

At the same time, one unit which landed by helicopter west of Mboki, was received by MINUSCA representatives, and, as it continued to move, reached a camp of armed formations located within the city limits of Mboki.

A firefight ensued with several UPC forces stationed at their base.

The battle lasted for more than an hour and a half and the battle pushed the rebels out of their base, causing them to abandon their base and flee.

Upon investigation, it became known that there are two large groups of gunmen in Mboki: General Ousmanne Tellé’s group has 60 armed men and General Landan Djoulouss’ group consists of 40 armed men, all affiliated with the UPC.

Investigations are ongoing and the gendarmerie and police in Mboki are checking and searching for members of the armed gangs who fled the battle zone.

According to information from local residents, UPC generals and their personnel have taken refuge in the MINUSCA camp, which is located a few hundred meters away from the militants’ camps.

UPC forces often carry out attacks against innocent citizens, and with MINUSCA’s support, the army remains the only solution to protect citizens and establish order.