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CHAD’S military junta signed a deal with more than 40 opposition groups today, paving the way for peace talks later this month.
But the main rebel group, the Front for Change and Concord, announced they would not sign up to the plan just hours before a ceremony at a hotel in Qatari capital Doha.
Its refusal leaves the peace talks in doubt, but United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres and the African Union urged the junta and opposition to seize the opportunity to stabilise the country.
It has been in turmoil since Mahamat Idriss Deby was accused of a coup against the constitution as he was appointed president after the death of his father in battle last April.
He promised a national dialogue and elections within 18 months of his power grab, although opposition groups have demanded he promise not to stand.
He says that this can only be agreed in the peace talks, but warned that his transitional military government could extend its rule.
Mr Gutteres called yesterday’s agreement “a key moment for the Chadian people” while head of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat urged all sides to stick to their promises.
