Tensions Escalate as Chadian Rebel Group FACT Ends Ceasefire

Tensions Escalate as Chadian Rebel Group FACT Ends Ceasefire

In a significant turn of events, the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), a prominent Chadian rebel group, has officially announced the termination of the ceasefire it had declared in 2021. The group’s decision comes after accusing the interim Chadian authorities of launching an attack on one of its bases, which FACT perceives as an act of war. This development raises concerns about a potential return to violent confrontations between the military-led government and FACT, a conflict that had seen the tragic demise of President Idriss Deby in 2021.

A History of Struggle and Change

The Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) emerged as a formidable player in Chadian politics, driven by its opposition to the three-decade-long rule of President Idriss Deby. Its fighters crossed the border from Libya in April 2021, aiming to challenge the elder Deby’s regime. This initiative marked a defining moment in Chad’s recent history, as FACT’s forces advanced to within 300 kilometers of the capital city, N’Djamena. However, the Chadian army pushed them back, illustrating the government’s determination to maintain control.

Shifting Power Dynamics: From Deby to His Son

The conflict took a tragic turn with the battlefield death of President Idriss Deby. The military leader had been at the helm for three decades before his demise in 2021. Following his death, his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, seized power, consolidating control over the government. The younger Deby inherited the responsibility of navigating the delicate balance between maintaining authority and addressing the demands of various rebel groups, including FACT.

Fragile Attempts at Reconciliation

After assuming the role of interim president, Mahamat Idriss Deby embarked on a course of action aimed at fostering a detente with Chad’s rebel factions. Notably, he pursued a strategy of pardon, granting clemency to hundreds of FACT prisoners as a gesture of goodwill and an attempt to encourage the group’s engagement in peace negotiations. The government’s efforts to achieve stability within Chad and the broader central African region hinged on these delicate negotiations.

Escalation Looms: Ceasefire Unravels

The recent announcement by FACT indicates a potential unraveling of the delicate peace that has been maintained since the group’s unilateral ceasefire declaration in April 2021. In its statement, FACT unequivocally accused the Chadian military of conducting an attack on one of its bases, resulting in the loss of three lives. This action, according to the rebel group, constitutes a declaration of war. FACT’s decision to break the ceasefire underscores the gravity of the situation and raises concerns about the future of Chad’s stability.

As of now, the government’s response to FACT’s accusations and the termination of the ceasefire remains pending. Observers and international stakeholders are watching closely, aware of Chad’s pivotal role in the central African region. Long considered a Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants across the Sahel, Chad’s internal dynamics have wider implications. Any resurgence of hostilities could disrupt the tenuous peace in the Sahel region and potentially impact regional security efforts.