Union for Peace in the Central African Republic

Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC, French: Unité pour la paix en Centrafrique) is a rebel group in the Central African Republic which controls southern parts of the country.

Union for Peace in the Central African Republic
Unité pour la paix en Centrafrique
LeadersAli Darassa
Dates of operation2014–
Split fromSéléka
HeadquartersBambari (2014–17)
Alindao (2017–2020)
Bokolobo (2020–2021)
Boyo (2021–)[1]
Active regionsSouthern part of Central African Republic
Part ofCoalition of Patriots for Change (2020-)[2]
OpponentsCentral African Republic FACA
Russia Wagner Group (since 2020)
United Nations MINUSCA (sometimes)
Anti-balaka (until 2020)
Republic of Logone FPRC (sometimes)
Battles and warsCentral African Republic Civil War
  Territories under control of UPC

History

UPC was formed on 17 September 2014 by Ali Darassa from ex-Séléka elements. Their initial headquarters was Bambari, however they were forced to retreat on 6 March 2017.[3] On 10 January 2019, they launched a heavy attack on MINUSCA forces in Bambari vowing to recapture the city. They were repelled and in response Portuguese paratroopers raided their base in Bokolobo seizing some weapons and destroying some checkpoints.[4] On 17 December 2020, the UPC joined the Coalition of Patriots for Change.[5]

War crimes

On 29 January 2019, 18 people were killed and 23 wounded when UPC fighters opened fire during a funeral ceremony in Ippy.[6] Between 2016 and 2020 UPC killed more than 1300 people.[7] On 6 October 2021, 34 civilians were killed by alleged UPC rebels in Matchika massacre.

Organization

UPC used to profit from gold and diamond mines in areas it controls including the Ndassima mine, which they share control with the FPRC.[8] They also profited from controlling cattle markets in Mobaye and Kouango.[9]

References
  1. RCA : le chef rebelle Ali Darassa, chef d’État major de la coalition des patriotes pour le changement (CPC), est arrivé à Nzako, 29 March 2021
  2. Centrafrique : la rébellion de la CPC en ordre de bataille, 12 December 2021
  3. "Tensions running high in CAR's Bambari as rebels vow to take control". 6 March 2017. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022.
  4. "Watch: Portuguese paratroopers raid rebel base in Central African Republic". 18 January 2019. Archived from the original on April 22, 2023.
  5. Centrafrique : Déclaration de la Coalition des Patriotes pour le Changement, 18 December 2020
  6. "UN says 18 killed in Central African Republic attack". 29 January 2019. Archived from the original on February 20, 2023.
  7. RCA : + de 1300 morts officiellement décomptées impliquant l’UPC de Darassa entre 2016 et 2020, 12 April 2021
  8. "Midterm report of the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic extended pursuant to Security Council resolution 2399" (PDF). 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 3, 2023.
  9. "Letter dated 14 December 2018 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to resolution 2399 (2018) addressed to the President of the Security Council". 14 December 2018. p. 121. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023.
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