Chad government, opposition sign peace deal in Qatar

Chad’s military government has signed a peace deal with more than 40 opposition groups to launch a national reconciliation dialogue, but the main rebel group refused to take part.

Under the accord, signed in Qatari capital, Doha, on Monday, talks aimed at paving the way for a presidential election will start on August 20.

Since March, Qatar has been mediating between opposition groups and the military government of Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, a general who seized power after his father died in a battle with rebels last year.

But the Front for Change and Concord in Chad FACT the main rebel group, said it would not sign the deal despite last-minute efforts by Qatar’s mediators.

In a statement released in Doha before the deal was signed, FACT said it “rejects the accord that will be put to signatories on Monday”.