The pre-dialogue between the authorities and the Chadian political-military groups began this morning, Sunday, March 13, in Doha. The purpose of these discussions is to enable the participation of all Chadian rebel groups in the inclusive national dialogue planned for Ndjamena in May. It is therefore an important step on the road to reconciliation promised by the transitional authorities. However, the work was stopped at the end of the morning.
With our special correspondent in Doha, Florence Morice
The morning first started with a bang from Fact, the movement behind Idriss Déby’s death. The six representatives of the group that made the trip to Doha decided to leave the room and boycott the ceremony after hearing the speech of Qatar’s Foreign Minister and demanding a number of clarifications on the organization of this pre-dialogue.
So when it comes to the role of Qatar, they say they expect the host country to play a real role as a mediator and not just as a facilitator, especially since the process started on Wednesday, for Goukouni Weddeye who was the link between the various parties, for many months. .
Read also: Chad: Goukouni Weddeye walked away from the process of dialogue with rebel groups
They also wanted to protest against the number of political-military groups present around the table. According to them, fifty-nine is far too many and more than the country actually has of rebel groups. They see it as a strategy intended, according to them, to dilute the voice of the main armed groups in the debate.
It is a concern shared by other movements that remained in the room, for the discussions, but which expressed their doubts about the possibility of having a real dialogue and reaching an agreement with so many people around the table.
Work suspended In response to these concerns, Qatar initially reaffirmed its position as mediator in the process and put forward two proposals that were accepted. The first was to suspend work for three days so that the armed groups could consult. Most arrived late at night from Saturday to Sunday, March 13, from different countries, and had no opportunity to discuss this process.
The second proposal that was accepted was that each side agreed to appoint a dozen representatives to lead the discussion.
The Chadian Foreign Minister says he hopes these decisions will convince Fact to join the process.
It should be noted that all the major expected rebel movements reacted presently, although the number one of the Fact, Mahamat Mahdi Ali, and the CCMSRs were represented for logistical and security reasons.
