Units loyal to Didot Ali, former chief of staff of the Mouvement Patriotique pour la Centrafrique (MPC), surrounded the MPC command base near Markounda on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, around 6 PM. This action saw armed elements loyal to Ali taking positions around the strategic facility. Didot Ali, supported by dissident generals, rejected his dismissal and maintained his authority, according to sources familiar with the internal dynamics of the group. His men demanded the disarmament of the new general staff, asserting Ali's continued leadership within the faction and refusing to acknowledge the change in command.
Internal MPC Power Struggle
The escalation of tensions stems from an internal power struggle within the Mouvement Patriotique pour la Centrafrique. Didot Ali was dismissed by the movement's leader, Mahamat Alkhatim, on May 5 for insubordination. This decision by Alkhatim led to a significant rift within the group's hierarchy. Following Ali's dismissal, Mahamat Alkhatim appointed Ahmat Chaltout as the new chief of staff, a move that immediately challenged Ali’s established authority. Ahmat Chaltout subsequently ordered the immediate submission of all fighters to his command, seeking to consolidate his control over the MPC’s forces. Chaltout also stated that sanctions would be imposed on any who failed to comply with his directives, signaling a firm stance against any dissent or insubordination within the ranks.
Tensions Escalate Near Markounda
The MPC command base, which is currently surrounded by units loyal to Didot Ali, is situated approximately twenty kilometers from the Fiestes construction site. The proximity of these armed factions to the construction project has raised concerns regarding potential disruptions or security risks in the area, noting the broader implications of the internal conflict. The standoff developed rapidly after Didot Ali's dismissal by MPC leader Mahamat Alkhatim on May 5, with Ali firmly rejecting the decision and adamantly maintaining his claim to authority. His supporters have demanded the disarmament of the newly appointed general staff, insisting on Ali's continued leadership within the Mouvement Patriotique pour la Centrafrique. This demand directly challenges the legitimacy of Alkhatim's appointment of Ahmat Chaltout. Ahmat Chaltout, the new chief of staff appointed by Alkhatim, has since ordered all fighters to submit to his command, threatening sanctions for non-compliance, thereby setting the stage for a direct confrontation.
UPC Intervention Halts Violence
Approximately thirty elements from the Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC), under the command of Ali Darassa, intervened around 7 PM to address the escalating tensions. The arrival of the UPC forces introduced a critical third party into the volatile situation. The UPC mediators imposed a ceasefire, citing the presence of families and children within the vicinity of the command base. This humanitarian concern showed the potential for civilian casualties if fighting were to erupt. UPC forces issued a stern warning, stating, "tout individu ouvrant le feu sera immédiatement neutralisé et désarmé," which translates to "any individual opening fire will be immediately neutralized and disarmed." This decisive intervention aimed to prevent an armed clash between the rival factions of the Mouvement Patriotique pour la Centrafrique (MPC) near Markounda, effectively de-escalating the immediate threat of violence.
Broader Context and Implications
The Mouvement Patriotique pour la Centrafrique (MPC) is currently divided into two hostile blocs within the Ouham mining area, according to sources familiar with the situation. This internal division shows the ongoing power struggles affecting the faction's operational capabilities and regional influence near Markounda. The current standoff is a clear manifestation of this deeper fragmentation within the group, which could have significant repercussions for stability in the region. The intervention by the UPC notes the fragile security environment and the complex interplay between various armed groups operating in the Central African Republic. The continued internal strife within the MPC threatens to further destabilize an already delicate security landscape.