N’DJAMENA (Reuters) – The Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), a Chadian rebel group, has announced the end of the ceasefire it declared in 2021. The group accuses the interim authorities of bombing one of its bases, which it considers an act of war.
This recent development suggests a potential return to full-scale hostilities between the military-led government and FACT. It was this conflict that resulted in the death of President Idriss Deby in 2021, after which his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, seized power.
Since assuming the role of interim president, Deby has made efforts to establish a détente with various rebel groups in Chad. As part of this, he has pardoned hundreds of FACT prisoners to encourage the group’s full participation in peace talks.
However, in a statement, FACT accused the military of bombing its base in an attack on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. “The military junta in power… has just declared war on us,” FACT declared. “In view of this, FACT breaks the unilateral ceasefire it declared in April 2021 and reassures the junta that its reaction will be quick and unrestrained.”
The government has not yet responded to the statement.
Any signs of escalation in the conflict will be closely monitored. Chad holds significant influence in Central Africa and has long been an ally of the West in combating Islamist militants across the Sahel region.
In April 2021, FACT fighters crossed the border from Libya to oppose President Idriss Deby, whose 30-year rule they opposed. They advanced to within 300 kilometers (185 miles) of the capital, N’Djamena, before being pushed back by the army.
Written by Alessandra Prentice; Edited by Alison Williams
Credit: The Star : News Feed
