N’Djamena, 20 August 2022 (TDI): The Former Prime Minister of Chad and Chairperson of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat attended the opening ceremony of Chad’s National Dialogue.
The Chairperson of the African Union, Moussa Faki also praised the ceremony of Chad’s National Dialogue and took to Twitter to appreciate the warm welcome he received in Chad.
Je suis heureux d’etre à #Ndjamena aujourd’hui pour assister à la cérémonie d’ouverture du Dialogue National Inclusif et Souverain. #Tchad #DNIS pic.twitter.com/L2fzlJ6sqR
— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) August 20, 2022
The attending parties range from civil society, opposition parties, trade unions, and military government and rebel groups.
General Mahamat Idriss also took to Twitter to announce the visit of several esteemed guests.
He stated “I received this morning the credentials of SEM. Alexander Laskaris, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the USA to Chad and Muzikayifani Khehla Joseph Nkosi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of South Africa to Chad”
Agenda of the meeting
Chad’s National Dialogue aims to find a common ground and a mutually inclusive way forward for the transitional government and the rebels.
Consequently, it is a great leap forward toward peaceful conflict resolution and the promotion of democratic values.
These talks are the brainchild of General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. According to him, this forum should open the way to free and democratic elections.
Historical context
Acting Junta Chief General Mahamat Idriss Deby is a transitioning president. Mahamat accessed power after his father died in an operation against the rebel forces.
Both General Mahamat and his father shared cordial relations with France and a joint venture to eliminate armed groups in the Sahel region.
Also read: EU welcomes Chad National Dialogue
However, the opposition parties greatly opposed the succession. Since the constitution failed to solve such circumstances, the opposition labeled the transition as a coup.
Later on, the military council and the rebel group reached an agreement. The two parties agreed on a dialogue resulting in a ceasefire.
These peace talks were aimed to set an election for a democratic government in Chad. Whereas, conditions and requisites of the rebels are yet to be negotiated.
In March, peace talks in Qatar were the first in the series. These talks took place between the military government and the opposition groups
Later on, the military government postponed a national dialogue that was set to take place in the country’s capital, N’Djamena, on May 10.
However, the country is still hopeful for a prospering peace.