Accord de Paix entre le Gouvernement de la République Centrafricaine et les Mouvements Politico-Militaires ci-après designés: FDPC et UFDR (Syrte Agreement)

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Country/entity: Central African Republic
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Accord de Paix entre le Gouvernement de la République Centrafricaine et les Mouvements Politico-Militaires ci-après designés: FDPC et UFDR (Syrte Agreement)
Date: 2 Feb 2007
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate 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: Ceasefire/related
Conflict nature: Government
Peace process: CAR: coups and rebellions process
Parties: Pour le Gouvernement de la République Centrafricain, S.E Paul OTTO, Ministre de la Justice, Garde des Sceaux
Pour Le Front Démocratique du Peuple Centrafricain, Abdoulaye MISKINE, Président du FDPC
Pour L'Union des Forces Démocratiques pour le Rassemblement: (signature unclear)
Third parties: EN PRESENCE DE:
Pour La République du Tchad, Tchonai Elimi Hasson
Pour La Grande Jamahiriya Arabe-Libyenne, Populaire et Socialiste, A.M. Shalgam

mediated by the communauté d'Etat Cen-Sad (Khadafi representing them)
Description: This agreement is identical in wording to the previous Birao Agreement, minus the last two articles (only one of which is substantive, relating to the ability of both partners to withdraw from the ageement in the event of its flagrant violation by the other, Article 9). The agreement was necessary due to the bombing of the UNFDR headquarters by French Mirage jets after the Birao Agreement, which accordingly could be argued to have cancelled the Birao agreement. It therefore covers the immediate cessation of hostilities including hostile media campaigns; DDR; the conditions for the return of displaced people; the release of political prisoners; the participation of the groups in the management of the state; the establishment of an implementation commission; and mechanisms for dealing with differences in interpretation and failure to comly with the agreement.

Agreement document: CF_070202_Accord de Paix entre le Gouvernement et FDPC UFDR_2007_tr.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
Agreement document (original language): CF_070202_Accord de Paix entre le Gouvernement et FDPC UFDR_2007 (French).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: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Substantive
Page 2, Article 3
The implementation of an urgent and top priority programme to:
... 3. Create the conditions needed to return, reinstall and reinsert all persons displaced by the conflict.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: Page 2, PREAMBLE
...
• Considering the unwavering desire of His Excellency, Army General François BOZIZE, President of the Republic, Head of State, reiterated in his speech to the nation of December 31, 2006, to promote tolerance, dialogue and reconciliation among all the daughters and sons of Central Africa
Men and boys: Gender→Men and boys→Gender neutral wording
Page 2, PREAMBLE
...
• Considering the unwavering desire of His Excellency, Army General François BOZIZE, President of the Republic, Head of State, reiterated in his speech to the nation of December 31, 2006, to promote tolerance, dialogue and reconciliation among all the daughters and sons of Central Africa
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
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: Governance→Political parties reform→Rebels transitioning to political parties
Page 3, Article 5
The Democratic Front of the Central African People and the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity shall participate in the management of State business, in a spirit of reconciliation and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: Page 3, Article 3
...
2. The rights of expelled Central African military personnel, and of civil servants of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity, shall be reinstated, in their original training and work units
Constitution: Governance→Constitution→Constitution affirmation/renewal
Page 3, Article 5
The Democratic Front of the Central African People and the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity shall participate in the management of State business, in a spirit of reconciliation and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: Power sharing→Political power sharing→Executive coalition
State level
Page 3,
Article 5:
The Democratic Front of the Central African People and the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity shall participate in the management of State business, in a spirit of reconciliation and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: Power sharing→Military power sharing→Merger of forces
Page 3, Article 2
The confinement of troops of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity in a location somewhere in the country to be agreed between the two parties prior to their integration in the ranks of the defence and security forces, or their reinsertion in civilian life.

Page 3, Article 3
Urgent and prioritised implementation of a programme in which:
1. Preparations shall be made for the rehabilitation of combatants from the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity, and their integration in the ranks of the defence and security forces and paramilitary formations, in accordance with current legislation

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: Page 2, PREAMBLE
...
• Conscious of the need for dialogue to establish a durable peace throughout the national territory, an essential prerequisite for the reconstruction of the country and democracy building;
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Page 3, Article 1
The immediate cessation of hostilities and abstention from any military activity or any other forms of violence, and abstention from any media campaigns which may interfere with efforts to create a spirit of brotherhood and harmony.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
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: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 3, Article 1
The immediate cessation of hostilities and abstention from any military activity or any other forms of violence, and abstention from any media campaigns which may interfere with efforts to create a spirit of brotherhood and harmony.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: Page 3, Article 3
Urgent and prioritised implementation of a programme in which:
1. Preparations shall be made for the rehabilitation of combatants from the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity, and their integration in the ranks of the defence and security forces and paramilitary formations, in accordance with current legislation
2. The rights of expelled Central African military personnel, and of civil servants of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity, shall be reinstated, in their original training and work units...

Page 3, Article 4
Political prisoners shall be released and a general amnesty declared for soldiers and Central African combatants of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity.
DDR: Security sector→DDR→DDR programmes
Page 3, Article 2
The confinement of troops of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity in a location somewhere in the country to be agreed between the two parties prior to their integration in the ranks of the defence and security forces, or their reinsertion in civilian life.

Page 3, Article 3
Urgent and prioritised implementation of a programme in which:
1. Preparations shall be made for the rehabilitation of combatants from the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity, and their integration in the ranks of the defence and security forces and paramilitary formations, in accordance with current legislation
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 3, Article 3
Urgent and prioritised implementation of a programme in which:
1. Preparations shall be made for the rehabilitation of combatants from the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity, and their integration in the ranks of the defence and security forces and paramilitary formations, in accordance with current legislation
2. The rights of expelled Central African military personnel, and of civil servants of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity, shall be reinstated, in their original training and work units...

Page 3, Article 4
Political prisoners shall be released and a general amnesty declared for soldiers and Central African combatants of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity.

Page 3, Article 5
The Democratic Front of the Central African People and the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity shall participate in the management of State business, in a spirit of reconciliation and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Page 3, Article 6
The Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity shall definitively renounce armed struggle as a means of expression.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: Transitional justice→Amnesty/pardon→Amnesty/pardon proper
Page 3, Article 4
Political prisoners shall be released and a general amnesty declared for soldiers and Central African combatants of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: Page 3, Article 4
Political prisoners shall be released and a general amnesty declared for soldiers and Central African combatants of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: Page 2, PREAMBLE
...
• Considering the unwavering desire of His Excellency, Army General François BOZIZE, President of the Republic, Head of State, reiterated in his speech to the nation of December 31, 2006, to promote tolerance, dialogue and reconciliation among all the daughters and sons of Central Africa.

Page 3, Article 5
The Democratic Front of the Central African People and the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity shall participate in the management of State business, in a spirit of reconciliation and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: EN PRESENCE DE:
Pour La République du Tchad, Tchonai Elimi Hasson
Pour La Grande Jamahiriya Arabe-Libyenne, Populaire et Socialiste, A.M. Shalgam
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: Page 4, Article 7
The signatory parties shall establish a committee to monitor implementation of the present Agreement. The Monitoring Committee for implementation of the present Agreement may call upon any qualified person for advice.

Page 4, Article 8
In case of any disagreement on implementation of the present Agreement, either party may appeal to the National Mediation Council. If disagreement persists despite the efforts of national mediation, either party may appeal to the Permanent High Mediator for Peace in the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) area, whose judgement shall be final.

Page 4, Article 9
In case of any flagrant and deliberate violation by either of the parties, of the provisions of the present Agreement, duly recorded, the other party shall withdraw entirely from the Agreement.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: UN Peacemaker: http://peacemaker.un.org/

Peace Agreement

between

the Government of the Central African Republic

and

the Politico-Military Movements indicated below:

The Democratic Front of the Central African People

(Front Démocratique du Peuple Centrafricain, FDPC)

The Union of Democratic Forces for Unity

(Union des Forces Démocratiques pour le Rassemblement, UFDR)

Preamble

Considering the relevant provisions of the United Nations Charter, the African Union, the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD), and of the national resolutions on the peaceful resolution of conflicts, in particular the firm recommendations of the National Dialogue and the Code of Good Conduct;

Conscious of the need for dialogue to establish a durable peace throughout the national territory, an essential prerequisite for the reconstruction of the country and democracy building;

Determined to consolidate a State of Law, and good governance, with its corollary of social progress, and full entitlement to fundamental liberties under conditions governed by law;

Considering the unwavering desire of His Excellency, Army General François BOZIZE, President of the Republic, Head of State, reiterated in his speech to the nation of December 31, 2006, to promote tolerance, dialogue and reconciliation among all the daughters and sons of Central Africa;

Responding to the mediation initiatives of His Excellency MOAMMAR AL GHADDAFI, Guide of the EL FATAH Revolution, Permanent High Mediator for peace in the Community of Sahel-Saharan states (Espace de la Communauté des Etats Sahélo-Saharien, CEN-SAD) area;

The Government of the Central African Republic, the Democratic Front of the Central African People and the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity agree the following:

Article 1:

The immediate cessation of hostilities and abstention from any military activity or any other forms of violence, and abstention from any media campaigns which may interfere with efforts to create a spirit of brotherhood and harmony.

Article 2:

The confinement of troops of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity in a location somewhere in the country to be agreed between the two parties prior to their integration in the ranks of the defence and security forces, or their reinsertion in civilian life.

Article 3:

Urgent and prioritised implementation of a programme in which:

1. Preparations shall be made for the rehabilitation of combatants from the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity, and their integration in the ranks of the defence and security forces and paramilitary formations, in accordance with current legislation;

2. The rights of expelled Central African military personnel, and of civil servants of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity, shall be reinstated, in their original training and work units;

3. Preparations shall be made for the return, reinstallation and reinsertion of persons displaced by the conflict.

Article 4:

Political prisoners shall be released and a general amnesty declared for soldiers and Central African combatants of the Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity.

Article 5:

The Democratic Front of the Central African People and the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity shall participate in the management of State business, in a spirit of reconciliation and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Article 6:

The Democratic Front of the Central African People and of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity shall definitively renounce armed struggle as a means of expression.

Article 7:

The signatory parties shall establish a committee to monitor implementation of the present Agreement.

The Monitoring Committee for implementation of the present Agreement may call upon any qualified person for advice.

Article 8:

In case of any disagreement on implementation of the present Agreement, either party may appeal to the National Mediation Council.

If disagreement persists despite the efforts of national mediation, either party may appeal to the Permanent High Mediator for Peace in the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) area, whose judgement shall be final.

Article 9:

In case of any flagrant and deliberate violation by either of the parties, of the provisions of the present Agreement, duly recorded, the other party shall withdraw entirely from the Agreement.

Article 10:

The present Agreement enters into force upon its signing.

It may be signed by any group, movement or individual who adheres to, and formally accepts, all of its clauses.

Done at Sirte, 02/02/2007.