France, July 11 -- As a peace deal signed by the Central African government and rebel groups comes into force on Friday, the leaders of 3R and UPC have officially dissolved their movements in a ceremony in Bangui led by President Faustin-Archange Touadera.

General Sembe Bobo, head of the Union for Peace (UPC), and Ali Darassa of Return, Reclamation and Rehabilitation (3R), confirmed the disbanding of their political and military wings during the event on Thursday.

Wearing blue and white boubous, the two warlords took turns placing Kalashnikovs on a table, marking the end of hostilities, reported RFI's correspondent Rolf Steve Domia-leu.

The laying down of arms follows a ceasefire agreement signed between Bangui, UPC and 3R on 19 April ...