The Sultanate of Rafaï was the last of Ubangi-Shari to still have its sultan.[4] The last sultan assumed the throne in 1909.[4] On 12 March 2013 Rafaï was captured by Seleka rebels.[5] On 3 March 2018 it was captured by UPC rebels, but three days later it was recaptured by Anti-balaka.[6] On 26 March 2021 it was reported that 14 rebels with automatic weapons were stationed near centre of Rafaï.[7] On 30 October armed forces returned to Rafai after eight years of absence.[8]