Doha, 8 August 2022 (TDI): The Chadian government and rebels signed a historic Doha Peace Agreement in Qatar today. The peace agreement was followed by five months of peace-building talks.
The signing was chaired by Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
Some of the attendees of the signing included Chad’s Foreign Minister Mahamat Zene Cherif, Opposition groups’ representatives, and African Union members. Libya’s Foreign Minister Najla El Mangoush was also in attendance.
“This agreement will pave the way for holding the Chadian National Inclusive and Sovereign Dialogue in Chad, in the Chadian capital N’djamena, which aims to achieve the inclusive national reconciliation,” said Qatar’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday, ahead of the signing.
Qatar has been holding preparatory talks between conflicting blocs since March to pave the way for transparent elections.
Elections would bring peace to the African nation after political instability.
Qatar hosted Chad Peace Negotiations last March with the participation of representatives of the Transitional Military Council and Chadian opposition movements.
Qatar has been playing an active regional and international role in providing the basic ground for mediation and prevention of the outbreak of conflicts.
The Gulf state was named as an official mediator following a unanimous decision by the participating parties.
A positive atmosphere emerged in Doha today as both sides exchanged hugs. Attendees around the room heard chants.
Under the auspices of the State of Qatar, the Chadian parties sign the #Doha_Peace_Agreement_in_Chad. This stems from the active regional and international role of Qatar in providing the basic grounds for mediation and preventing the outbreak and exacerbation of conflicts. pic.twitter.com/9ePOYlGexQ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) August 8, 2022
Remarks by Qatar Foreign Ministery
Assistant Foreign Minister for Regional Affairs, Qatar, Al Khulaifi, stated that Doha Peace Agreement would contribute to the formation of a common vision attaining a promising future for the Republic of Chad.
Consequently, achieving Chadian National Reconciliation would also be a cornerstone for establishing security, peace, and stability in the region.
Remarks by President of African Union
In his statement at the event, Moussa Faki, President of the African Union, named Doha the city of peace.
He added, “Here we are today, five months later, witnessing the windup of the Chadian dialogue between the government and the armed movements. Congratulations to Doha”.
Also read: EU welcomes Chad National Dialogue
Remarks by EU Ambassador to Chad
European Union’s Ambassador to Chad, Kurt Cornelis, stressed that Qatar’s role was important in mediation. Qatar had to bring together more than 50 sides.
Cornelis expressed, “I think this is a very appreciated effort, which is not easy, it has taken a long time, much longer than what was expected. So we’re very happy with the mediation”.
