Commitment between the 6 Armed Groups of Haute Kotto

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Country/entity: Central African Republic
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Commitment between the 6 Armed Groups of Haute Kotto
Date: 9 Apr 2019
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/local conflict
Central African Republic Conflicts (1996 - )
The Central African Republic conflict is one of a set of regionally connected conflicts addressed by the African Great Lakes process. After the country gained independence from France in 1960 it has been ruled by a sequence of autocratic leaders that principally gained power through coups. Since the mid-1990s several waves of internal conflict took place in the Central African Republic, primarily along tribal, and later-on increasingly sectarian, lines. In 1996 and 1997, French troops and soldiers from neighbouring countries intervened to end a mutiny in the capital, Bangui, by factions of the army. The fighting was predominantly along tribal lines, with southern tribes in revolt against the ‘northern’ government. A UN mission was installed in 1998 to secure the truce.
After General Bozizé took control of the country after several coup attempts in 2003, a ‘bush war’ began led by armed opposition forces. From late 2006 onward, government troops with French military support severely weakened the rebels. Following this, a number of agreements were signed during 2007-2008, but not all factions have accepted them. In 2011, Bozizé was re-elected in supposedly fraudulent elections, which resulted in a new wave of uprisings. Séléka, an alliance of northern rebel groups, took over parts of the country and forced Bozizé to agree to a power-sharing deal. However, after this agreement broke down, Séléka took control of Bangui and Bozizé had to flee the country in 2013. Leader of Séléka, Michel Djotodia, took office and officially disbanded Séléka. However, continual violence between ex-Séléka groups and opposing militias, collectively known as ‘anti-balaka’, persisted and Djotodia was forced to resign less than a year later. Catherine Samba-Panza was installed as interim president until Faustin Archange Touadéra was elected in January 2016. In February 2019 an agreement was signed between the government and fourteen armed groups, including ex-Seleka groups, committed to disarmament. However, violence between ex-Seleka groups and anti-balaka continues.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Inter-group
Peace process: CAR: Local Processes
Parties: Page 1:
For the Parties
Ousta Alia The FPRC
Mine Joseph The RPRC
Amadou Garba The UPC
Amat Faya The MPC
Achafi Daoud Assabour The MLCJ
Plenga Thierry alias Bokassa MOKOM Wing Anti Balaka
Third parties: Page 1:
Witnesses
Binguinedji Thierry Evariste Prefect of Haute Kotto
YOunous MoussaAyat Sub-prefect of Bria
BalekouZou Maurice mayor of the town of Bria

Page 3:
The representative of the HD Center
Representative of MINUSCA

The agreement also lists (Page 3) the Prefect of Haute Kotto, and the Prefectural Committee for the Implementation of the Khartoum Accord as taking part in monitoring alongside the signed third parties.
Description: In this agreement, six armed groups present in the area of Haute Kotto commit to using peaceful means to resolve differences, and particularly with regard to any incitement of violence based on ethnicity and religion, with local government, MINUSCA, and the HD Centre acting as monitors.

Agreement document: CF_190409_Commitment between the 6 Armed Groups of Haute Kotto_tr.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
Agreement document (original language): CF_190409_Commitment between the 6 Armed Groups of Haute Kotto.pdf (opens in new tab)| Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Rhetorical
Page 2:
We agree as follows:

Article 3
To cease hostile acts based on ethnicity, religion, or any other motivation against the populations of Haute Kotto

[...]

Article 5
To oppose and resist any idea of instrumentalization and manipulation of members of our respective communities for sectarian purposes of a political, religious, regional, and/or ethnic nature;
Religious groups: Groups→Religious groups→Rhetorical
Page 2:
We agree as follows:

Article 3
To cease hostile acts based on ethnicity, religion, or any other motivation against the populations of Haute Kotto

[...]

Article 5
To oppose and resist any idea of instrumentalization and manipulation of members of our respective communities for sectarian purposes of a political, religious, regional, and/or ethnic nature;

Page 2:
Article 7
The 6 armed groups undertake to respect the secular character of the CAR and promote the harmonious coexistence of religions, mutual respect, conviviality, good neighborliness, and promoting the new Central African citizenship between Muslim and Christian communities.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Rhetorical
Page 2:
Article 6
The 6 armed groups undertake to support the return of all internally displaced persons and refugees;
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): Page 2:
Article 7
The 6 armed groups undertake to respect the secular character of the CAR and promote the harmonious coexistence of religions, mutual respect, conviviality, good neighborliness, and promoting the new Central African citizenship between Muslim and Christian communities.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Page 2:
Article 8
The parties' commitment to peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion implies, among other things:
a. Free movement of people and goods, including that of humanitarian personnel throughout Haute Kotto
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Other
Page 3:
Article 11
In the days following the signing of this agreement, the 6 armed groups individually and collectively will take joint measures to sensitize their members, so that they cease hostile acts against each other based on ethnicity, religion, and any other motives, including intimidation, extortion, or theft, the use of hostile propaganda and incitement which may endanger life or cause damage to property;
Mobility/access: Page 3:
Article 8
The parties' commitment to peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion implies, among other things:
a. Free movement of people and goods, including that of humanitarian personnel throughout Haute Kotto
b. Refraining from damage to property and goods (houses, vehicles, motorcycles, etc.)
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 2,
We agree as follows:
Article 1
To put aside our differences and promote the factors which are common to us and which unite us, to meet the challenges we face as members of the Community.

Article 2
To stop all actions on our part that could undermine the security and well-being of the populations of Haute Kotto

Article 3
To cease hostile acts based on ethnicity, religion, or any other motivation against the populations of Haute Kotto

Article 4
From now on, to favor the use of peaceful and legal means for the settlement of all our disputes

Page 3,
Article 9
The parties undertake to respect and implement the provisions of the Agreement to successfully ensure security and peace and in Haute Kotto;

Page 3,
Article 11
In the days following the signing of this agreement, the 6 armed groups individually and collectively will take joint measures to sensitize their members, so that they cease hostile acts against each other based on ethnicity, religion, and any other motives, including intimidation, extortion, or theft, the use of hostile propaganda and incitement which may endanger life or cause damage to property;
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→General commitments
Page 2,
We agree as follows:
Article 3
To cease hostile acts based on ethnicity, religion, or any other motivation against the populations of Haute Kotto

Article 4
From now on, to favor the use of peaceful and legal means for the settlement of all our disputes
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: Page 3,
Article 11
In the days following the signing of this agreement, the 6 armed groups individually and collectively will take joint measures to sensitize their members, so that they cease hostile acts against each other based on ethnicity, religion, and any other motives, including intimidation, extortion, or theft, the use of hostile propaganda and incitement which may endanger life or cause damage to property;
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: Page 2:
We agree as follows:
Article 1
To put aside our differences and promote the factors which are common to us and which unite us, to meet the challenges we face as members of the Community.

Article 2
To stop all actions on our part that could undermine the security and well-being of the populations of Haute Kotto

Article 3
To cease hostile acts based on ethnicity, religion, or any other motivation against the populations of Haute Kotto

Article 4
From now on, to favor the use of peaceful and legal means for the settlement of all our disputes

Article 5
To oppose and resist any idea of instrumentalization and manipulation of members of our respective communities for sectarian purposes of a political, religious, regional, and/or ethnic nature;

Implementation

UN signatory: Page 3:

[not named]Representative of MINUSCA
Other international signatory: Page 3:
The Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, MINUSCA, the Prefect of Haute Kotto, and the Prefectural Committee for the Implementation of the Khartoum Accord will ensure the implementation of this Agreement and its periodic monitoring;

Page 3:
Augustin Koulas, The representative of the HD Center
[not named]Representative of MINUSCA
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: Page 3:
The Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, MINUSCA, the Prefect of Haute Kotto, and the Prefectural Committee for the Implementation of the Khartoum Accord will ensure the implementation of this Agreement and its periodic monitoring;
Enforcement mechanism: Page 3:
Article 10
In the event of a violation of the terms of this agreement, systematic recourse will be made to the Technical Security Committee established as part of the Political Agreement of Peace and Reconciliation in the CAR;

Page 3:
The Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, MINUSCA, the Prefect of Haute Kotto, and the Prefectural Committee for the Implementation of the Khartoum Accord will ensure the implementation of this Agreement and its periodic monitoring;
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: On file with PA-X PI.

COMMITMENT BETWEEN THE 6 ARMED GROUPS OF HAUTE KOTTO

Preamble

We, leaders of the armed groups FPRC, RPRC, MLCJ, UPC, MPC, and Anti Balaka wing MOKOME, hereinafter referred to as the "parties"

Considering that the CAR has been in a military-political crisis since 2012 which has plunged the country into inter-communal violence, the collapse of State Authority, the dislocation of social cohesion, and massive displacement of thousands of people to within and outside the country

Considering that the conflict has largely affected localities in the interior of the country (including the prefecture of Haute Kotto), with several victims of murder, rape

Considering the previous initiatives taken by the international community to establish a negotiated settlement of hostilities in the CAR, Signed on April 23, 2014, in Brazzaville;

Considering the national dynamic instilled by the Bangui National Forum from 04 to 11 May 2015;

Considering the initiatives of September 21 and December 19, 2017, Bria;

Considering the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic between the government and armed groups, signed on February 6, 2019;

Expressing our deep regret at the continued violations of previous agreements, as well as the deplorable loss of life and damage to property caused by recent conflicts;

Aware that tolerance, inclusion, consultation, and dialogue constitute the basis of peace and national unity as expressed in the Preamble to the Constitution of the Central African Republic of March 30, 2016

For the Parties

Ousta Alia The FPRC

Mine Joseph The RPRC

Amadou Garba The UPC

Amat Faya The MPC

Achafi Daoud Assabour The MLCJ

Plenga Thierry alias Bokassa MOKOM Wing Anti Balaka

Witnesses

Binguinedji Thierry Evariste Prefect of Haute Kotto

Younous MoussaAyat Sub-prefect of Bria

BalekouZou Maurice mayor of the town of Bria

Aware that without our commitments to the cardinal principles of good governance, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, Haute Kotto cannot achieve social-economic progress or global growth;

Convinced of the fact that the responsibility for determining the destiny of our region falls on us, according to the realities of our country and based on the values of justice, rule of law, democracy, good governance, respect for people’s fundamental freedom and rights, unity and solidarity, mutual understanding and cooperation among different ethnic communities, and religious groups;

Reaffirming our will to live together and to manage our differences by way of Dialogue and Mediation to fully embrace the dynamics of peace and reconciliation, as specified in the Political Agreement of Peace and Reconciliation in CAR of February 6, 2019;

By signing this act, we make a solemn commitment before the Authorities of Haute Kotto, the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, MINUSCA, and the populations of Bria, to renounce any action on our part that could undermine the security and well-being of the population.

We agree as follows:

Article 1

To put aside our differences and promote the factors which are common to us and which unite us, to meet the challenges we face as members of the Community.

Article 2

To stop all actions on our part that could undermine the security and well-being of the populations of Haute Kotto

Article 3

To cease hostile acts based on ethnicity, religion, or any other motivation against the populations of Haute Kotto

Article 4

From now on, to favor the use of peaceful and legal means for the settlement of all our disputes

Article 5

To oppose and resist any idea of instrumentalization and manipulation of members of our respective communities for sectarian purposes of a political, religious, regional, and/or ethnic nature;

Article 6

The 6 armed groups undertake to support the return of all internally displaced persons and refugees;

Article 7

The 6 armed groups undertake to respect the secular character of the CAR and promote the harmonious coexistence of religions, mutual respect, conviviality, good neighborliness, and promoting the new Central African citizenship between Muslim and Christian communities.

Article 8

The parties' commitment to peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion implies, among other things:

a. Free movement of people and goods, including that of humanitarian personnel throughout Haute Kotto

b. Refraining from damage to property and goods (houses, vehicles, motorcycles, etc.)

Article 9

The parties undertake to respect and implement the provisions of the Agreement to successfully ensure security and peace and in Haute Kotto;

Article 10

In the event of a violation of the terms of this agreement, systematic recourse will be made to the Technical Security Committee established as part of the Political Agreement of Peace and Reconciliation in the CAR;

Article 11

In the days following the signing of this agreement, the 6 armed groups individually and collectively will take joint measures to sensitize their members, so that they cease hostile acts against each other based on ethnicity, religion, and any other motives, including intimidation, extortion, or theft, the use of hostile propaganda and incitement which may endanger life or cause damage to property;

The Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, MINUSCA, the Prefect of Haute Kotto, and the Prefectural Committee for the Implementation of the Khartoum Accord will ensure the implementation of this Agreement and its periodic monitoring;

Article 13

This agreement comes into force upon its signature.

Done in Bria, on [DATE MISSING]

The representative of the HD Center Representative of MINUSCA