Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC, ) is a rebel group in the

Central African Republic The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Chad to Central African Republic–Chad border, the north, Sudan to Central African Republic–Sudan border, the northeast, South Sudan to Central ...

which controls southern parts of the country.

History

UPC was formed on 17 September 2014 by

Ali Darassa Ali Darassa Mahamat (born 22 September 1978), also known as Ali Daras and Ali Ndarass is a Nigerian leader of the Central African rebel group, the Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC), which is dominant around Bambari. He is ...

from the ex-Séléka elements. Their initial headquarters was Bambari, however they were forced to retreat on 6 March 2017. On 10 January 2019, they launched a heavy attack on

MINUSCA United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (also called MINUSCA, which is an initialism of its French name Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations unies pour la stabilisation en C ...

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. On 17 December 2020, the UPC joined the

Coalition of Patriots for Change The Coalition of Patriots for Change (; CPC) is a coalition of major rebel groups in the Central African Republic created in 2020 to disrupt the 2020–21 Central African Republic general election. Background On 3 December 2020, the Constitu ...

War crimes

On 29 January 2019, 18 people were killed and 23 wounded when UPC fighters opened fire during a funeral ceremony in

Ippy Ippy is a town located in the Central African Republic prefecture of Ouaka, near the geographic center of the country. It is 364 kilometers (226 miles) from the city of Bangui directly. Driving distance, however, is 496 kilometers (308 miles). ...

. Between 2016 and 2020 UPC killed more than 1300 people. On 6 October 2021, 34 civilians were killed by alleged UPC rebels in

Matchika massacre On 6 October 2021, 34 civilians were murdered in an attack on Matchika village in the Central African Republic. Attack On 5 October 2021 around 12:00 an 18-wheeler truck carrying passengers and goods

Organization

UPC used to profit from gold and diamond mines in areas it controlled including the

Ndassima Ndassima is a gold mine in Ouaka prefecture in Central African Republic. It is the nation's only industrialized gold mine. It was taken from the legal owners, Axmin Inc., during the civil war in 2013 before being seized by Wagner Group around 2 ...

mine, whose control they share with the FPRC. They also profited from controlling cattle markets in

Mobaye Mobaye is a settlement with a population of 7,176 (2003 census) in the Basse-Kotto prefecture of Central African Republic. It lies on the Ubangi River. History On 8 February 2013 Mobaye was captured by Séléka rebels. In September 2019 Moba ...

and

Kouango Kouango is a town located in the Central African Republic Prefectures of the Central African Republic, prefecture of Ouaka. History In February 2013 Kouango was captured by Séléka rebels. It was recaptured by government forces on 8 March 202 ...

References

{{Reflist Factions of the Central African Republic Civil War Rebel groups in the Central African Republic Rebel groups that actively control territory 2014 establishments in the Central African Republic