Chad Military Junta Signs Peace Accord with Northern Militias Over Gold Dispute

Chad’s military junta signed a peace accord with northern militias over gold disputes. The agreement cancels mining permits and suspends activities to allow for new surveys. Leaders have expressed a willingness to negotiate instead of resorting to violence, aiming for long-term stability in the region.

On Sunday, Chad’s military junta officially signed a peace accord with armed groups from the northern region, which had launched an insurrection over local gold deposits. This agreement was facilitated by government mediator Saleh Kebzabo and involved two groups previously engaged in conflict in the Miski area of Tibesti province, near the Libyan border. The fighting between the Chadian Defence and Security Forces and the Miski Self-Defence Committee had intensified between 2019 and 2020, primarily over access to valuable gold mines.

The peace agreement mandates the cancellation of all mining permits in the Miski region and suspends all mining activities to allow for a comprehensive new survey of the area. For several years, forces from the Miski Self-Defence Committee have obstructed government officials from entering the region, highlighting ongoing tensions. Previous accords signed in 2019 and 2023 remained ineffective due to a lack of implementation.

Following the signing, the president of the Miski Self-Defence Committee, Djimet Chava, expressed optimism about the new deal’s potential. He emphasized the importance of both parties adhering to their commitments, stating, “It is for the two sides to respect their engagements”. Furthermore, Chava affirmed, “Even if there is a blockage, we are determined to negotiate instead of using force,” showcasing a willingness to prioritize dialogue over conflict.

In summary, the peace accord signed by Chad’s military junta with northern militias represents a significant step toward resolving long-standing conflicts over gold resources in the Miski region. The agreement aims to restore stability by suspending mining activities for further assessments. The commitment expressed by leaders of the Miski Self-Defence Committee reinforces hopes for future negotiations and an end to hostilities in the area.

Original Source: thesun.my