Rebel groups in CAR lay down their arms as new peace deal begins

Ali Darassa, leader of the Union for Peace in Central Africa (UPC) armed group, has officially laid down arms as part of the peace deal with Bangui. FLORENT VERGNES / AFP

As a peace deal signed by the Central African government and rebel groups comes into force on Friday, the leaders of 3R and UPC have officially dissolved their movements in a ceremony in Bangui led by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.

General Sembé Bobo, head of the Union for Peace (UPC), and Ali Darassa of Return, Reclamation and Rehabilitation (3R), confirmed the disbanding of their political and military wings during the event on Thursday.