On 3 December 2020, the Constitutional Court of the Central African Republic rejected the candidature of former president
François Bozizé in the upcoming presidential elections.[7] On 4 December, François Bozizé met with
Mahamat al-Khatim, leader of the
Central African Patriotic Movement (MPC), in Kaga-Bandoro before leaving for his stronghold, Bossangoa.[8]
History
On 15 December 2020, major rebel groups in the Central African Republic including
Anti-balaka, UPC, FPRC, 3R and MPC created a coalition.[9] Since then, the group seized many towns including Yaloke and Bossembele.[10] Bambari was temporarily seized by rebels.[11] On 25 December, rebels killed three peacekeepers in Dekoa and Bakouma.[12] Due to rebel attacks, elections did not take place in many areas of the country. Some 800 of the country's polling stations, 14% of the total, were closed due to violence,[13] and during the first round, voting was unable to take place in 29 of the 71 sub-prefectures, while six others only managed to partially vote before being shut down due to voter intimidation.[14] On 15 January, rebels attacked Bangui killing one peacekeeper before being repelled by international forces.[15] On 21 March, the coalition announced that Bozizé had become the group's "general coordinator".[16] On 6 April UPC reportedly left Coalition of Patriots for Change,[17] but officially rejoined in early December 2021.[18]