Cache of weapons unearthed in Bangui amid disarmament efforts

Authorities in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), have uncovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition during a disarmament operation launched last week.

The operation, led by the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Repatriation (DDRR) unit, recovered both light and heavy arms along with over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, according to government spokesperson Maxime Balalou.

Among the recovered items were 38 AK-47 rifles, eight rocket launchers, and 1,788 large-caliber bullets.

The weapons, buried in 2020, are believed to have been stashed by members of the anti-balaka militia, part of the Coalition of Patriots for Change, a rebel alliance that attempted to seize power at the end of that year.

Balalou credited the operation’s success to cooperation from local residents living near Bangui M’Poko Airport.

“The weapons and munitions unearthed were buried by armed groups seeking to destabilize the nation.

This discovery highlights the importance of community collaboration in enhancing national security,” he stated.

The government has announced plans to extend the disarmament operation beyond Bangui, targeting other regions in the country known for harboring armed groups.

This latest find underscores the persistent security challenges facing the Central African Republic, which has grappled with armed conflict and political instability for years.

The DDRR program is a cornerstone of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability, aiming to neutralize threats posed by militias and reintegrate former combatants into society.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing similar operations to safeguard the population and promote long-term peace.