He was second in command to Michel Djotodia of the Seleka coalition of rebels.[5] In March 2013, he played a decisive role in the final offensive in Bangui, which overthrew incumbent President François Bozizé. After seizing power, President Djotodia later appointed him as Minister of Public Security on 31 March 2013 but he was dismissed on 22 August 2013 and was appointed as national security adviser. After Seleka was officially disbanded in September 2013, Ex-seleka fighters formed new militias with the largest being FPRC, which was formed in May 2014 and initially led by Djotodia.