Chad : National Dialogue Kicks-Off

Chad’s National Inclusive Dialogue has kicked off in the capital N’Djamena with a call by the President of the Transitional Military Council, Mahamat Idriss Deby on participants to put forth pertinent proposals that would help get the country out of its present situation. Speaking on Saturday, August 20, 2022 during the opening of the forum, the military leader described the forum as a “decisive moment in the history of Chad”.  The “dialogue”, which should have begun in February, has been marred by delays as Chad’s myriad rebel groups, meeting in Qatar, squabbled over whether to attend or not. At the end of the pre-dialogue, 40 of the 47 politico-military groups did signed the August 8, 2022 deal entailing a ceasefire and guarantee of safe passage. The forum according to N’Djamena authorities would open the way to “free and democratic” elections after 18 months of rule by the military. A deadline that France, United States, the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) have urged him to uphold.
On the agenda of the three-week talks is lasting peace, reforming state institutions and a new constitution that will be put to a referendum. Prior to the start of the talks, President Deby signed a decree last Wednesday saying the decisions taken at the forum will be “legally binding”. On Friday, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, Chad’s National Inclusive Dialogue is a landmark event as it offers a “historic opportunity” for the country to return to stability and set a course towards democracy. The UN Chief congratulated the transitional authorities, the Chadian people and the efforts made by all other stakeh...