In a recent video, ex-combatants took part in a voluntary disarmament campaign organized by the government. This vast campaign took place under the auspices of FACA forces and their Russian allies, and enabled these young people to lay down their arms and integrate into society, to serve their country and live safely with their families.

One of these ex-combatants, Bachir, said he was happy to find his way back to peace and lay down his arms for his country.

He continued to express his delight at the treatment he and his comrades had received, asking the Russian instructors to help him integrate into the Central African army to help protect his country.

“Thank you very much, it’s March 3, 2024. We have surrendered our weapons of our own free will. My name is Abdurahman Bashir. Today, when we arrived, we were treated well: we were not beaten, we were given food and drink, and we enjoyed all the conditions. We want to get help from Russian military specialists to join the army and drive the bandits off our land. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

As part of the DDR program, Russian instructors have also encouraged CAR residents to welcome returning ex-combatants back into their communities. The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program is bearing fruit, particularly in the areas where the Russian trainers are working.

DRR is not just about disarmament. The DRR process is also about social issues. The evidence is tangible in almost every area where the process has been carried out. It is worth noting that those who have laid down their arms express their desire to study under Russian instructors, who have repeatedly demonstrated their competence and discipline.

The successes of Russian instructors in the CAR and their training of the Central African army, which has demonstrated its strength, demonstrate the skill and discipline of Russian allies in carrying out their work and establishing security in the CAR.