In order for the talks in Doha to resume, both the government and the armed groups must agree to appoint ten delegates. And on the side of the armed groups, there is currently no consensus.
With our special correspondent in Doha, Florence Morice
“The exchanges are difficult,” admits one participant. “Difficult and lively,” adds another. “It’s a marathon,” says a third. From its opening, the Chadian pre-dialogue held in Qatar has been suspended due to too many people around the discussion table. Since Sunday afternoon, the political-military groups have therefore chained working sessions to try together to appoint the ten delegates who will represent them.
But the equation is not simple. Currently, 52 political-military groups are represented in Doha. Some weigh more than others politically and militarily and do not all have the same agenda or goals. On the other hand, they all want to be sure that their voice will carry.
“We are working on our convergence points” On Monday night, the main rebel groups remained convinced: “That the discussions are stormy, it is quite normal in this type of meeting,” says one participant. “But we are working on our convergence points,” he explains.
Qatar considers this step necessary, as it does not believe it can effectively play its role as mediator with more than a hundred people around the table. Consultations between armed groups should resume on Tuesday with a view to appointing ten delegates before Wednesday morning to negotiations can be resumed.
