On 30 November 2016, FPRC armed group captured Bakala from UPC group after battle. It was recaptured by UPC on 11 December, but snatched again by FPRC on 11 January 2017.[2] In April 2017 Bakala was reportedly under the joint control of FPRC and Anti-balaka.[3] The town was recaptured by government forces on 10 April 2021.[4]