The joint MINUSC, Sangaris and local forces are involved in the operation.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on October 31 launched one of its daunting missions which the UN Security council clearly stated  is, “To support  the Transitional Authorities in developing and implementing a revised strategy for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) and Repatriation (DDRR) of former combatants and armed elements to reflect new realities on the ground, while paying specific attention to the needs of children associated with armed forces and groups, and support for the repatriation of foreign elements.”

MINUSCA launched the disarmament operation in collaboration with the Central African Republic’s Police and Gendarmerie as well as the French Sangaris force, reports say. Sources from MINUSCA state that the operation consists in searching houses and seizing arms. The source indicate that more than 80 people have been arrested since mid-September when the ongoing operation started and specified that five of the people have been caught in the present operation launched on Friday, October 31.

Sectarian fighting between the rival armed movements; Seleka and Anti-balaka in addition to sporadic attacks by unidentified armed men on the population have shaken the Central African Republic to its very foundations, requiring the intervention of the international community to restore order and put the State back on its rails. The launch of the disarmament operation came within the backdrop of exchange of fire between international forces and armed gunmen; specifically in the Boy Rabe neighbourhood of the capital Bangui last Friday and Saturday.