End of Ceasefire: Chad’s Rebel Group Back to Battle

End of Ceasefire: Chad’s Rebel Group Back to Battle

The Announcement of Ceasefire Termination

The Front for Change and Concord (FACT), a prominent insurgent group in Chad, publicly ended a year-old ceasefire agreement with the Chadian army in a statement released last Friday. FACT’s statement cited an alleged bombardment of their base by the ruling military council as the primary catalyst for ending the ceasefire. The unexpected attack, which took place on Wednesday, reportedly resulted in four casualties and three injured personnel.

“The military junta in power…has just declared war on us,” FACT proclaimed in the announcement, expressing their displeasure and disappointment with the sudden turn of events.

Accusations against the Chadian Military Council

FACT further accused the military council of plotting to invade Libyan territory to target their rear base, suggesting a deliberate attempt to suppress any opposition voice. The group stated, “In view of the silence of the international community, the military council is also preparing to penetrate Libyan territory to attack our rear base in order to silence any opposition voice.” FACT ended their statement by underscoring that their response “will be quick and unrestrained.”

Previous Air Strike on Chadian Insurgent Group

The announcement from FACT came in the wake of a suspected air assault against the Chadian militant rebel group – “The Military Command Council for the Salvation of the Republic” or CCMCR. The airstrike, which targeted the CCMCR’s posts based in Libya, raised the already palpable tension in the volatile region.

It remains unconfirmed whether the drone used in the assault was operated by the Chadian army or another entity. As the tension continues to escalate, uncertainty prevails about the future of peace in the region. Without direct intervention from international bodies or concerted diplomatic efforts, the stability of the region remains at risk. It is clear that the termination of this year-long ceasefire signals turbulent times ahead for Chad, and indeed for the broader region.

No Closer to Peace?

In the absence of a clearly defined path towards peace, the situation in Chad remains precarious. The end of the ceasefire potentially paves the way for a resurgence of violence, with the prospect of further conflict threatening not only Chad but the stability of its neighboring countries as well.

Given the nature of the accusations made by FACT, it remains to be seen how the international community and relevant authorities will respond to these developing tensions. Until then, the future of peace in Chad hangs in the balance.