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The pre-dialogue between the authorities and the Chadian politico-military groups opened on the morning of this Sunday, March 13, in Doha. The objective of these discussions is supposed to allow the participation of all Chadian rebel groups in the inclusive national dialogue scheduled for Ndjamena in May. It is therefore an important step on the road to reconciliation promised by the transitional authorities. However, the work was suspended at the end of the morning.
With our special correspondent in Doha, Florence Morice
The morning first began with a bang from the Fact, the movement behind the death of Idriss Déby. The six representatives of the group who made the trip to Doha decided to leave the room and boycott the ceremony after hearing the speech by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, demanding a number of clarifications on the organization of this pre-dialogue.
Thus, on the role of Qatar, they say they expect the host country to play a real role of mediation and not only of facilitator, especially since the start of the process, Wednesday, of Goukouni Weddeye who was the link between the different parties, for many months.
Read also: Chad: Goukouni Weddeye disembarked from the process of dialogue with rebel groups
They also wanted to protest against the number of politico-military groups present around the table. According to them, fifty-nine is far too many and more than the country really 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 negotiation.
It is a concern shared by other movements who remained in the room, for the discussions, but who expressed their doubts about the possibility of carrying out a real dialogue and reaching an agreement with so many people around the table. .
Suspended works
In response to these concerns, Qatar first confirmed its position as mediator in the process and made two proposals which were accepted. The first was to suspend the work for three days to allow the armed groups to consult each other. 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 accepted was that each side agree to appoint a dozen representatives to frame the discussion.
The Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs says he hopes these decisions will convince Fact to join the process.
It should be noted that all the main expected rebel movements responded present, even if the number one of Fact, Mahamat Mahdi Ali, and that of the CCMSR were represented for logistical and security reasons.