In Chad, a year after the signing of the Doha peace agreement, the government is finally launching the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) program. General Daoud Yaya Brahim, Chadian Minister of Defense, officially kicked off this long-awaited process.
The peace agreement signed in Doha in August 2022 allowed the return to the country of many figures of the rebellion, who then joined the government or other positions of responsibility. However, on the ground, the troops of these politico-military groups are growing impatient and are demanding the establishment of DDR. Timan Erdimi of the UFR even threatened to block the elections if the DDR process was not launched quickly.
The delay in the implementation of DDR is partly due to the lack of representation on the monitoring committee, as well as the financial disengagement of partners. Despite these obstacles, the Chadian government decided to set up a technical committee responsible for implementing DDR, with the help of the UN, which released five million dollars for this project. However, this is still far from the $32.5 million needed.
The first challenge is the census of combatants and their equipment, a task that will take time and require additional resources. However, General Daoud Yaya Brahim remains optimistic about the success of the DDR program.
This crucial step for the peace process in Chad will make it possible to disarm political-military groups, demobilize their troops and reintegrate the combatants into society. It will contribute to the stability of the country and the preparation of the next elections.
In conclusion, the launch of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program in Chad, although late, is a positive step forward in the implementation of the Doha peace agreement. It remains to overcome the logistical and financial challenges to enable the success of this essential process for the consolidation of peace in the country.