Chad’s military junta has signed a peace agreement with armed groups in the Miski region, ending conflicts over gold deposits. All mining permits have been cancelled, pending further surveys, as leaders express hope for renewed negotiations and stability.
On Sunday, Chad’s military junta formalized a peace agreement with armed groups in the northern Miski region, which had previously engaged in conflict over the area’s lucrative gold deposits. The signing took place between government mediator Saleh Kebzabo and two factions that had been involved in hostilities since 2019-2020.
The conflict arose from disputes regarding gold mining in the Tibesti province, which borders Libya. In alignment with the newly established peace accord, all mining permits for the Miski region have been annulled and all mining operations will be halted pending a comprehensive survey of the resources.
For years, the Miski Self-Defence Committee has barred government officials from entering the region. Previous peace agreements established in 2019 and 2023 had failed due to non-implementation. Despite this history, Committee president Djimet Chava expressed optimism regarding the current deal, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect for commitments made. He stated, “It is for the two sides to respect their engagements.”
Chava further noted, “Even if there is a blockage, we are determined to negotiate instead of using force,” reflecting a commitment to dialogue over confrontation.
The recent peace accord between Chad’s military junta and armed groups represents a significant step towards resolving longstanding conflicts over gold mining in the Miski region. The commitment from both sides to suspend mining activities for further evaluation and the expressed willingness to negotiate raise hopes for a sustainable resolution in the area. This development may pave the way for improved relations and stability in the region.
Original Source: thesun.my
