An Inclusive Political Dialogue and Durable Peace in the Central African Republic
blurb:isstoday:20081211car
11 December 2008: An Inclusive Political Dialogue and Durable Peace in the Central African Republic
Monday 8 December 2008 heralded the opening of the Inclusive Political Dialogue process for the Central African Republic (Dialogue Politique Inclusif - DPI). This long awaited event represents a good start towards establishing a common approach for long lasting peace among all the concerned actors in the political landscape of the country. The process has received both regional and continental support and is chaired by notable figures such as Mr. Pierre Buyoya, ex-president of Burundi and El Hadj Omar Bongo, president of Gabon. Upon closer look, however, one cannot help but wonder whether this positive move is not merely a superficial coat of varnish on a continuously deteriorating political climate.
Firstly, one cannot help but question attendance at the dialogue. There appears to be no mention of the participation of Mr Jean Jacques Demafouth of the Armée populaire pour la restauration de la République et la démocratie (APRD) which represents a major security concern for the North Eastern region of the country. This is so despite statements by the concerned individual that he would come out of exile and attend the process as he is committed to peace in the region. Along the same lines, Mr Abdoulaye Miskine of the Front Démocratique du Peuple Centrafricain (FDPC), next in line when it comes to responsibility for insecurity in the country, has indicated that he shall not attend the proceedings which to him represent “stalling tactics” on the part of the government.
The proceedings themselves are being conducted within the National Assembly of the Republic. Far from questioning the commitment and goodwill of the government to ensure the smooth running of the dialogue, one cannot help but ponder over, not only the neutrality of the process, but equally the desire on the part of the government, to involve all concerned actors. It is highly unlikely that parties which have been in dispute with the government and fear prosecution, would view these premises as suitable to an honest and forward looking engagement.
The parties in control of the process have also tabled the themes to be discussed during the Dialogue; these cover various general themes such as human rights, good governance, impunity and durable peace among others. Upon reviewing the past events that have culminated in this important dialogue, it is clear that there is a discrepancy between the issues that will be tabled and the actual concerns of the people of the Central African Republic. Essentially, four key themes emerge as being central and context-specific: Disarmament Demobilisation Repatriation and Rehabilitation (DDRR) of both rebel militia and self-defence militias engineered by the government; human rights violations on the part of both rebel movements and the national armed forces (FACA); the fate of an increasing number of displaced and vulnerable people over the territory (over 200,000 in the North East); and the lack of a mixed, independent electoral commission. These critical concerns are reflected in the United Nations Peace-Building Office in the Central African Republic’s (BONUCA) human rights report as well as the UN Secretary General’s Report of November 26, 2008. (S/2008/733). These reports, among many others, state loud and clear that the political, socio-economic and security challenges within the country keep the country in a vulnerable position.
Despite this dark picture, one can be consoled by various activities around DDRR and anti-corruption as recently initiated by the government. One can only hope that these represent an actual commitment and political will to institute change that will positively affect the lives of ordinary citizens; and not just a political platform in view of the upcoming elections in 2011.
If nothing else, the fact that the inclusive dialogue is actually taking place and involves the participation of important individuals such as former president Ange-Felix Patassé, Mr Abakar Sabone of the Mouvement des Libérateurs Centrafricains pour la Justice (MLJC) and André Kolingba of the Rassemblement Démocratique Centrafricain (RDC) is sufficient cause to rejoice. More so, the dialogue is only at its early stages and indications so far are that there is a degree of commitment both nationally and regionally towards achieving durable peace. In the words of James Womack “commitment…allows vision, and gives us the "right stuff" to turn our dreams into reality.”
Nadia Ahmadou, African Security Analysis Programme, ISS Tshwane (Pretoria)
