By Meryl A. White
Impunity Watch Reporter, Western and Central Africa

NDJAMENA, Chad– Four Chadian rebel groups have signed a peace agreement with the government of Chad. The peace negotiation process was moderated by Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Idriss Deby, the President of Chad, and Omar al-Bashir, the President of Sudan, were also present for the signing of the peace deal.

The agreement was signed by Adoum Younousmi, Chad’s infrastructure minister, and by leaders of the UFDD (Union of Forces for Democracy and Development), UFDD-F (UFDD-Fundamental), RFC (Rally of Forces for Change) and CNT (Chadian National Concord) rebel groups.

Rebel groups have waged rebellion against President Idriss Deby for years. Rebels were especially angry with President Deby when he modified the country’s constitution in 2005 to allow himself to run for a third term in office.

Officials believe that the future of Chad looks promising. Colonel Gaddafi stated “I hope this is the last stage in the peace process in Chad, and I guarantee all signatories will abide by the agreement.”

In early October, the Foreign Minister to Chad stated “We dare to hope that it will create conditions that will foster stability and reconstruction in the eastern region of our country that have been devastated by incursions of the Sudanese Janjaweed and other armed men coming from Darfur.”

Under the peace agreement, the rebel groups agreed to immediate ceasefire, amnesty for civil and military personnel, the release of all prisoners and “total respect for the Chadian constitution.” Chadian officials also plan on arranging a joint committee to involve participation among signatory groups on executive power decisions.

For more information, please see:

Google News – Chad president, rebels sign peace deal – 26 October 2007

NY Times –  Chad Rebels in Pact – 26 October 2007

Impunity Watch- Rebel Groups in Chad Expected to Sign Peace Agreement with Government – 5 October 2007