Chadians Draw Roadmap For Democratic Return After Military Junta

A dialogue was organised in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena, between Friday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 7, to draw a roadmap for an impending national dialogue that would lead to a return to civilian rule in the country.

The meeting which took place in the ‘January 15 Palace’ brought together participants from different political backgrounds who put together an agenda on the various themes to be debated during the national dialogue.

The principal propositions arrived at, include the restoration of the 1996 Constitution, the instauration of a presidential mandate of five years renewable once, and the instauration of a senate.

Others are the putting in place of a strongly decentralised unitary state, the organisation of a referendum for the adoption of a new Constitution, the withdrawal of the Presidency of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy from the Presidency of the Republic to guarantee the separation of powers, and an annual subvention to political parties.

They also recommended the institution of a quota of 2 per cent in nominations to state functions for persons with disabilities, the repatriation of cultural items looted during colonial rule, and the restoration of civic instructions in schools.

Speaking at the end of the meeting on Sunday, the delegate of the Organising Committee of the Inclusive National Dialogue, Mbairemtar Prosper, congratulated participants for the results arrived at and hoped they would achieve the desired goals.

“Hope is now permitted in this beautiful country,” Mbairemtar Prosper declared, adding that “We have to break the chains of prejudice which have kept us in under-development.”

He invited compatriots who are still hesitant and who do not believe to take the necessary steps forward “because peace is possible, justice is possible.”

The Government Delegate to the N’Djamena Council, General Brahim Seid Mahamat thanked the participants and expressed joy for a mission well accomplished.