Status: 08/08/2022 1:43 p.m
There are 47 rebel groups in Chad. 42 of them have now signed a peace agreement in Doha – together with the military government. It is questionable whether that will be enough to settle the conflict – because an important signature is missing.
After mediation by Qatar, the transitional military government and rebel groups from Chad signed a peace agreement in Doha. Chad’s foreign minister, Mahamat Zene Cherif, said he expected the move would lead to a lasting peace in the Central African country.
42 out of 47 rebel groups have signed the agreement. The Reuters news agency reports, citing insiders, that they have committed themselves to a permanent ceasefire and the disarmament of the civilian population. In the declaration, the military council promised not to carry out any military operations against the signatory groups in neighboring countries either, where they often seek refuge.
Qatar’s Foreign Minister – Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani – said at the signing ceremony that he hoped other groups would join the path towards peace and reconciliation. “This initial peace agreement that we are celebrating here today will be a major turning point toward stability and prosperity for the Chadian people.”
Important signature is missing
A broad-based national reconciliation dialogue is anchored in the agreement. This is scheduled to begin on August 20 – with around 1,500 delegates. The meeting is also intended to jointly decide on the organization of the presidential elections planned for October. A wide spectrum of groups and parties as well as government and rebels are to be included in the talks. Chad’s interim military government foreign minister Cherif said: “Most of the armed groups have signed this agreement and will take part in the national dialogue.”
It is a forum for all people, he added, dismissing concerns that not all groups have signed the agreement. The agreement was rejected by the “Front for Change and Harmony in Chad” (FACT). The AP news agency describes them as the “most important rebel group in the country” and questions whether the roadmap for a transition to democracy in Chad would be possible without their involvement.
The FACT leadership announced that the framework conditions were rejected because not all those involved were treated as equals. In addition, one calls for the release of prisoners – but at the same time remains ready for future talks. The demand from several rebel groups to exclude the incumbent ruler as a candidate from the next presidential election was not included in the agreement.
Hard road to democracy
Negotiations to settle the conflict in Chad have been going on for months. In July, around 20 of the rebel groups broke off talks, accusing the ruling junta of harassment, intimidation and disinformation.
Chad’s long-time president, Idriss Deby, was killed in battles with rebels in April last year. After that, a military council led by his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, took power. He promised a transition to democracy within a year and a half – this period is about to expire.