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12/17/2021

Treasury Sanctions UPC Militia Leader in Central African Republic for Serious Human Rights Abuse | U.S. Department …

Treasury Sanctions UPC Militia Leader in Central African
Republic for Serious Human Rights Abuse
December 17, 2021

WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Department of the Treasuryʼs O ice of Foreign Assets Control
(OFAC) designated Ali Darassa (Darassa) for serious human rights abuses stemming from his
leadership of the Central African Republic (CAR) based militia group, Union for Peace in the
Central African Republic (UPC). UPCʼs militants have killed, tortured, raped, and displaced
thousands of people since 2014.
“Under Darassaʼs leadership, the UPC militia has committed brutal atrocities against civilians,”
said Director of the O ice of Foreign Assets Control Andrea M. Gacki. “The United States will
continue to target and expose human rights abusers, including those contributing to the
humanitarian crisis in CAR.”
The UPC uses murder, kidnapping, and other violence to achieve its goals. On November 15,
2018, the UPC attacked an internally displaced persons camp in Alindao, resulting in the
deaths of at least 112 people. On March 15, 2020, four men were reportedly detained and
tortured in Mboki under the orders of the UPC.
Executive Order (E.O.) 13667 authorizes the designation of persons contributing to the
conflict in CAR, including those responsible for serious abuse or violation of human rights in
CAR, or those threatening the peace, security, or stability of CAR, among other criteria. OFAC
has previously designated entities in connection with human rights abuse in CAR, including the
Lordʼs Resistance Army (LRA), LRA leader Joseph Kony, and his sons, LRA commanders Salim
and Ali Kony. OFAC has also designated numerous anti-Balaka and ex-Seleka militia leaders for
threatening the peace, security, or stability of CAR as well as individuals and entities
supporting armed groups with weapons and money.
OFAC designated Darassa pursuant to E.O. 13667 for being a leader of an entity, including any
armed group, that has, or whose members have, engaged in the targeting of women, children,
or any civilians through the commission of acts of violence (including killing, maiming, torture,
or rape or other sexual violence), abduction, forced displacement, or attacks on schools,
hospitals, religious sites, or locations where civilians are seeking refuge, or through conduct
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0539

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12/17/2021

Treasury Sanctions UPC Militia Leader in Central African Republic for Serious Human Rights Abuse | U.S. Department …

that would constitute a serious abuse or violation of human rights or a violation of
international humanitarian law.
As a result of todayʼs action, all property and interests in property of Darassa that are in or
come within the United States or that are in the possession or control of U.S. persons must
be blocked and reported to OFAC. OFACʼs regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S.
persons or those within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests
in property of designated persons.
View more information on the individual designated today.
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https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0539

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