by Djobaye Mbangdoum, N'Djamena, Chad, May 1997
THEME = POLITICS
The principal town of West Logone, Moundou, the birthplace of the leader of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic (FARF), situated 600 km from the capital N'Djamena, organised the solemn ceremony for the signing of the Peace Treaty. Never had Moundou, the second city and the business centre of Chad, seen such an event. It was graced by the presence of the Prime Minister of Chad, Djimasta Koibla, and the ambassadors of the neighbouring countries and friends. "Lady Rain" was also present at the feast.
Consequently, just as is our tradition in Chad, rain is a sign of blessing, so the peace treaty which the protagonists have just signed, is blessed by God. One can only rejoice at such an omen. After all, it is typically African.
However, the putting into practice of the terms of the treaty is a matter for reflection. It includes seven points, particularly: a cease fire, a general amnesty, training and absorption of units of the FARF into ordinary life, participation of leaders of the political and military movement in government. Will the common determination of both sides to make peace, be translated into practice; that is to say, the immediate application of points contained in the document? Former pacts signed between the government and the rebels (called "Codos" according to Chadian terminology), have all been more or less scrapped, because of lack of financial resources, an excuse often used by those in power.
The end of hostilities in the central region of the country is very salutary and liberating, for the people of an area where the people have suffered so much. For more than ten years, they have suffered deep humiliations; rackets, rape, beatings, killings...seizure of property by both the regular army and the "Codos". These people have come far, from very far. Now they long for tranquillity, peace, truth, to be able finally to go freely about their daily occupations, work in the fields, resume their business, etc.
This southern part of the country, for long stifled economically, now has to resume normal activities. The growing of cotton and animal husbandry which are the chief economic activities of the country, had been forbidden by the rebels. Only the most foolhardy dared to ignore this prohibition. But at what price? Now there are grounds of hope. The leaders of the country, who are making democracy their battle cry, intend to establish the rule of law in the country. A state in which the citizens can enjoy all liberties without uneasiness. The "powers-that- be", have nothing to gain in violating the terms of the peace agreement. Any breach of this document would be against their interests, even fatal.
Everybody knows that the government in N'Djamena, is determined to exploit the black gold in the region of Doba, the principal town of East Logone, 100 kms from Moundou. Chadian Oil will start flowing in the year 2000. To this effect, an outline agreement was signed last year between Chad and Cameroon for the refining of crude oil. The beginning of the construction of a 1000 km pipeline, from Komé (Chad) to Kribi (Cameroon), is eagerly awaited by the people in the two countries as a source of jobs. Thanks to the peace pact, the oil consortium and the investors can go ahead. They have been given the green light by Laokein Frisson Bardé, the organiser of the FARF, in a short but very important sentence: "We have been very sincere in making peace. The ball is now in the court of the government, more precisely in the hands of President Idriss Déby". In other words, there are no more security problems for the southern rebels. We dare to believe that these are not empty words.
END