Coalition of Patriots for Change

The Coalition of Patriots for Change (French: Coalition des patriotes pour le changement; 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.^[6][7]

Coalition of Patriots for Change
Coalition des patriotes pour le changement
Logo of the group
Leaders	François Bozizé
Dates of operation	2020–present
Merger of	Anti-balaka MPC 3R UPC FPRC
Headquarters	Bossangoa, Ouham (2020 – February 2021) Markounda, Ouham (February 2021)[1] Kabo, Ouham (March 2021–April 2021)[2] Koumra, Chad (June 2021)[3] N'Djamena, Chad (since July 2021)[4]
Active regions	Central African Republic
Allies	Rapid Support Forces
Opponents	FACA MINUSCA  Russia Rwanda Sudan
Battles and wars	Central African Republic Civil War Sudanese civil war (2023–present) Battle of Nyala[5]
Website	https://www.facebook.com/DEBOUTCPC/

Background

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.^[8] On 4 December, Bozizé met with Mahamat al-Khatim, leader of the rebel group Central African Patriotic Movement (MPC), in Kaga-Bandoro before leaving for his stronghold, Bossangoa.^[9]

History

Situation in Central African Republic on 3 January 2021 at height of CPC control

On 15 December 2020, major rebel groups in the Central African Republic including Anti-balaka, UPC, FPRC, 3R and MPC created a coalition.^[10] The group seized many towns including Yaloke and Bossembele.^[11] Bambari was also temporarily seized by rebels.^[12] On 25 December, the rebels killed three UN peacekeepers and injured two others in Dekoa and Bakouma.^[13][14] 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,^[15] 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.^[16] On 15 January, rebels attacked Bangui killing one peacekeeper before being repelled by international forces.^[17] On 21 March, the coalition announced that Bozizé had become the group's "general coordinator".^[18] On 6 April UPC reportedly left Coalition of Patriots for Change,^[19] but officially rejoined in early December 2021.^[20]