Chad’s government has signed a peace deal with an armed group operating in the northern part of the country, in what mediators describe as a decisive step toward ending years of conflict over gold deposits in the Tibesti region.
The announcement was made by Ibrahim Edji Mahamat, who acted as a facilitator during negotiations, and later confirmed in a telephone interview with AFP. Mahamat said the agreement guarantees “the definitive return of peace in (the town of) Miski and the entire province of Tibesti.”
According to a document seen by AFP, the deal was formally signed on Tuesday, September 23, by government mediator Saleh Kebzabo. It grants amnesty to both Chadian defence and security forces and rebel fighters who took part in clashes between 2019 and 2020. The agreement also stipulates that members of the Diffa Al Watan Popular Committee of Miski will be integrated into the country’s army or police, following the completion of training.
Mahamat noted that this agreement was significant because it involved what he described as “the last dissident group.” He explained that other rebel groups in the Tibesti region had already signed similar agreements with the government in 2019, 2023, and in more recent months.
For years, several armed groups had prevented state officials from entering Miski, a town located around 200 kilometres from Bardai, the provincial capital of Tibesti. Their objective was to control and exploit the area’s gold reserves, which have been a source of tension and violence.
The Tibesti region, known for its remoteness and difficult terrain, has long been associated with smuggling, armed movements, and illegal mining activities. Since Chad gained independence from France in 1960, the region has attracted waves of illegal gold miners, fuelling disputes and sporadic violence.
The peace deal is seen as a critical development for stability in northern Chad, though questions remain about its implementation and whether the integration of former rebels into state security forces will proceed smoothly. Observers note that previous agreements have helped to reduce hostilities but have not fully resolved deep-rooted tensions tied to resource exploitation and the lack of state presence in the region.
Government has not yet issued a formal public statement beyond the confirmation of the signing, but the accord is being described by mediators as a milestone in efforts to restore security and extend government authority in Tibesti.
The announcement was made by Ibrahim Edji Mahamat, who acted as a facilitator during negotiations, and later confirmed in a telephone interview with AFP. Mahamat said the agreement guarantees “the definitive return of peace in (the town of) Miski and the entire province of Tibesti.”
According to a document seen by AFP, the deal was formally signed on Tuesday, September 23, by government mediator Saleh Kebzabo. It grants amnesty to both Chadian defence and security forces and rebel fighters who took part in clashes between 2019 and 2020. The agreement also stipulates that members of the Diffa Al Watan Popular Committee of Miski will be integrated into the country’s army or police, following the completion of training.
Mahamat noted that this agreement was significant because it involved what he described as “the last dissident group.” He explained that other rebel groups in the Tibesti region had already signed similar agreements with the government in 2019, 2023, and in more recent months.
For years, several armed groups had prevented state officials from entering Miski, a town located around 200 kilometres from Bardai, the provincial capital of Tibesti. Their objective was to control and exploit the area’s gold reserves, which have been a source of tension and violence.
The Tibesti region, known for its remoteness and difficult terrain, has long been associated with smuggling, armed movements, and illegal mining activities. Since Chad gained independence from France in 1960, the region has attracted waves of illegal gold miners, fuelling disputes and sporadic violence.
The peace deal is seen as a critical development for stability in northern Chad, though questions remain about its implementation and whether the integration of former rebels into state security forces will proceed smoothly. Observers note that previous agreements have helped to reduce hostilities but have not fully resolved deep-rooted tensions tied to resource exploitation and the lack of state presence in the region.
Government has not yet issued a formal public statement beyond the confirmation of the signing, but the accord is being described by mediators as a milestone in efforts to restore security and extend government authority in Tibesti.
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