Country/entity

Central African Republic

Region

Africa (excl MENA)

Agreement name

Pacte de Non-Agression

Date

8 Jun 2016

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.

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Central African Republic Conflicts (1996 - )

Stage

Framework/substantive - partial

Conflict nature

Inter-group

Peace process

CAR: Local Processes

Parties

Les Ex-Seleka de Mbres
MPC
FPRC
UPC

Les Anti-Balaka de Mbres

Third parties

Unnamed witnesses.

Description

Short local non-aggression agreement between rebel militia groups that agree on a common path for the return of peace and social cohesion, including the free-movement of goods ad people and the resumption of commercial activities in the town of Mbres.

Agreement document

CF_160608_Pacte_de_Non-Agression_tr.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Agreement document (original language)

CF_160608_Pacte_de_Non-Agression.pdf (opens in new tab)| Download PDF

Local agreement properties

Process type

Informal but persistent process

Rationale

Neither the agreement text nor limited background research suggest that a formal mechanism was in place to support the process that led to the signing of this agreement. However, another agreement in the general area (Gribingui) was signed between factions of the MPC and anti-Balaka on 08/03/2016 (see 'Protocole de Non-Agression').

Is there a documented link to a national peace process?

No

Link to national process: articulated rationale

Neither the agreement text nor limited background research suggests a link to the national-level peace process.

Name of Locale

Mbres sub-prefecture

Nature of Locale

Region

GPS Lat/Long (DD)

6.669303, 19.798473

Participant type

Local armed group

Mediator, facilitator or similar

No mention of mediator or similar

Local issues

Ritual/prayer and process (including use of scripture)

No specific mention.

Grievance List

No specific mention.

Cattle rustling/banditry

No specific mention.

Social cover

No specific mention.

NON-AGGRESSION AGREEMENT

PREAMBLE

This non-aggression agreement is hereby established to regulate the peaceful coexistence of the cosignatory parties within the framework of well-defined objectives.

It is agreed upon by the below parties:

- The Ex-Seleka of Mbres (FPRC, VPC and MPC) on one side, and

- The Anti-Balaka of Mbres( Mbres / Ndomete axis) on the other.

They agree as follows:

Article 1:

Ideological foundation and scope

1.1.This non-aggression agreement established between the two (2) parties aims to define the path towards social cohesion and the effective return of peace through the free movement of goods and people, as well as the resumption of commercial activities in the area.

1.2.This agreement defines the rights and obligations of the two (2) contracting Parties for the collaboration period.

Article 2:

Commitments of the Ex-Seleka of Mbres

The Ex-Seleka of Mbres (FPRC, UPC and MPC) undertake to the best of their abilities to:

2.1. Implement sustainable solutions oriented towards the definitive resolution of the Central African crisis.

2.2. Take part in activities to encourage populations concerned to create a culture of peace, tolerance, forgiveness and to return to work.

Article 3:

Commitments of the Anti-Balaka faction of Mbres

The Anti-Balaka Faction of Mbres (Axes, Mbre, Ndomete), undertake to the best of their abilities to:

3.1. Participate in the implementation of the non-aggression agreement signed with the Ex-Seleka of Mbres and to provide their human and material support.

3.2 Assist the Ex-Seleka of Mbres in the search for ways bring peace to the country

3.3 Actively collaborate in securing the country and to not impede the free movement of goods and people in localities under their government.

Article 4.

Disputes

4.1 Any dispute relating to the interpretation of this Non-Aggression Agreement or its implementation shall be resolved amicably or by any other method of settlement agreed upon by both parties

4.2 Any dispute addressed by either party shall be the subject of a live discussion in aim of a peaceful resolution

Article 5:

Coming into force

This Agreement comes into force on the date of signature

Article 6:

Duration

This agreement is for a period of one (1) year, renewable in case of any changes.

Done in Mbres on 08/06/16

The Ex-Seleka of Mbres

MPC [signature]

FPRC [signature]

UPC [signature]

The Anti-Balakas of Mbres [signature]

Witnesses [signature]