Chad’s Peace Talks on the Rocks
Admin GHRTV
18-03-2022
Clea Strydom
International Justice and Human Rights Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
On Sunday, March 13th, 2022, Chad's government and representatives of 44 opposition groups had started peace talks in Doha. Chad has been experiencing armed conflict since its independence over 60 years ago but spiralled into chaos after long-time leader Idriss Déby Itno was killed in combat last year April. Peace talks had already been suggested by former President Déby and are to serve as a prelude to a "national dialogue" due to start in May this year. The current Prime Minister of Chad, Albert Pahimi Padacke, insisted that “To be able to activate the inner trigger of self-transcendence to overcome the desire for revenge and resentment requires more courage than war, in short, real courage does not mean brandishing your weapon to dominate but to take the risk to lay it down in order to discuss" (AfricaNews, 2022).
The peace talks are the first step towards ending a rebellion and agreeing on a realistic timeframe for elections in the country. The process was intended to last several days. Moussa Faki Mahamat, former Chadian Prime Minister, diplomat, and Chairperson of the African Union Commission since 14 March 2017 has already urged both parties to make concessions. However, the talks were suspended after participants from Front for Change and Concord in Chad left the room. It remains to be seen if the talks can be resumed and agreement can be reached in order to help the country achieve peace and justice.
Sources and Further Reading
Africa News (March 13, 2022). Chad peace negotiations adjourned. https://www.africanews.com/2022/03/13/chad-peace-negotiations-adjourned//
Aljazeera (March 13, 2022). Chad military gov’t, opposition groups hold peace talks in Qatar https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/13/chad-military-govt-opposition-groups-hold-peace-talks-in-qatar
The Guardian (April 20, 2021). Chad’s president Idriss Déby dies from combat wounds, military says. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/20/chad-president-idriss-deby-dies-military-says
