Ceasefire and ending hostilities agreement between the High Command of the Security Forces and the High Command of the Self-defence Forces of Resistance (FADR)

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Country/entity: Republic of Congo
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Ceasefire and ending hostilities agreement between the High Command of the Security Forces and the High Command of the Self-defence Forces of Resistance (FADR)
Date: 29 Dec 1999
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Republic of Congo Civil Wars (1993 - 1994) (1997 - 1999)
After the fall of scientific socialism in 1990, the Republic of Congo made steps towards multiparty politics and held its first elections in 1993. UPADS candidate Pascal Lissouba was victorious in the polls, but the outcome was disagreed by the other candidates Bernard Kolelas and Sassou Nguesso who eventually went on to form militias comprised of their ethnic groups and launched a civil war against Lissouba. Peace accords were signed, and Lissouba remained in power. However, failing to stabilize the economy and implement the accords, violence continued in the lead up to the 1997 elections. Anticipating a coup, Lissouba ordered his militia to detain his rival Sassou and disarm his supporters. Fighting broke out across the city which became divided between the various militias. Troops from the DRC and Angola soon joined the sides of Lissouba and Sassou respectively, motivated by deterring internal rivalries within their own countries. Under the cover of Angolan air strikes, Sassou captured the capital in October 1998 and ousted Lissouba, whose militias re-grouped and by late 1998 had captured the south of the country. The war eventually ended in December 1999 following a peace treaty between Sassou and Lissouba's Cobra faction.
Stage: Ceasefire/related
Conflict nature: Government
Peace process: Republic of Congo peace process
Parties: p.p. the High Command of the FADR

Colonel Pierre Boungou-Boungou
[signed]

p.p. the High Command of the Security Forces

General Gilbert Mokoki
[signed]

Colonel Victor Moukanda
[signed]

Colonel Emmanuel Boungouanza
[signed]

Joseph Mbizi
[signed]

Colonel François Bouesse
[signed]

p.p. the President of the Republic of Congo and PO

The Interior, Security, and State Administration Minister
General Pierre Oba
[signed]
Third parties: p.p. the President of the Gabonese Republic and PO
The State, Interior, Public Security, and Decentralisation Minister
A. Mboumbou-Miyakou
[signed]
Description: This is an agreement between the high command of the security force and the high command of the self-defense forces of resistance (FADR). Issues covered in the agreement include a ceasefire and monitoring committee, amnesty, DDR, and the free circulation of people and goods.

Agreement document: CG_991229_CeasefireandEndingHostilities.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: Groups→Children/youth→Rhetorical
Page 3, CHAPTER V: FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC, Article 7:
The signatories of this agreement recommend:
...• The recognition of the stipulation to relax the official schooling age in favour of those children whose schooling was disrupted by war.
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: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: Gender→Men and boys→Gender neutral wording
Page 3, CHAPTER IV: FROM THE SECURITY FORCES:
Political stability and peace closely depend on the solutions brought to security issues in general and to the Security Forces in particular.
The status, composition, command and the establishment of the Security Forces must guarantee the stability of institutions, peace, the mutual trust of all brothers in arms in general, and the signatories of this agreement in particular, who undertake to fully contribute to the process of the imperative reorganisation of the Security Forces, while also focusing on issues relating to rebuilding careers.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): Page 1, Chapter I: CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES:
The signatories of this agreement:
• Convinced that without peace, our country, the Congo, cannot preserve and consolidate national unity nor promote democracy and development;
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 2, Chapter II: THE MONITORING COMMISSION FOR THE AGREEMENTS ON CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES, Article 2:
The signatories of this agreement agree to the establishment of a mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the Agreement on Ceasefire and Ending Hostilities, responsible for:
...• Ensuring the demilitarisation of political parties, movements, and associations;
Civil society: Page 2/3, CHAPTER III: GENERAL STIPULATIONS, Article 5:
The signatories agree to the following:
...• The free movement of persons and goods, as well as humanitarian personnel, in conflict zones;
...• The development of humanitarian corridors, by the signatories, providing assistance to the population, under the control of the mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the agreements on cease-fire and end of hostilities.

Page 4, CHAPTER VI: COMMON STIPULATIONS, Article 9:
They ask all citizens and organised groups to contribute to the collection of weapons under the auspices of the Monitoring Commission assisted by the signatories.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: Page 2/3, CHAPTER III: GENERAL STIPULATIONS, Article 5:
The signatories agree to the following:
...• The reintegration of civil servants and other State officials from the para-public and private sector, who are members of the Self-Defence Forces of Resistance;
...• The unconditional return of civil servants and other State officials to their respective services with a review of administrative situations;
• The unconditional restoration of the rights of civil servants, government officials, and members of the FADR, to defend their retirement rights following the war, as on the date of June 5th they still had one (1) two (2) or three (3) years of service remaining.

Page 3, CHAPTER IV: FROM THE SECURITY FORCES: Article 6:
The signatories of this agreement demand:
...• The unconditional reinstatement into the Security Forces, reprising the same rank they held on June 5th 1997, of soldiers, gendarmes, and other civilian personnel who have joined
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: Power sharing→Military power sharing→Merger of forces
Page 2, CHAPTER III: GENERAL STIPULATIONS, Article 5:
The signatories agree to the following:
...• Recruitment into the Security Forces and reintegration of Self-Defence Forces of Resistance (FADR) members into society.

Page 3, CHAPTER IV: FROM THE SECURITY FORCES: Article 6:
The signatories of this agreement demand:
• The reorganisation of the Security Forces;
• The unconditional reinstatement into the Security Forces, reprising the same rank they held on June 5th 1997, of soldiers, gendarmes, and other civilian personnel who have joined their respective body no later than the date on which this agreement is signed;
...• Recruitment into the Security Forces and reintegration into society of FADR members.

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 1, Chapter I: CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES:
The signatories of this agreement:
• Convinced that without peace, our country, the Congo, cannot preserve and consolidate national unity nor promote democracy and development;

Page 4, CHAPTER VII: FINAL STIPULATIONS, Article 13:
The signatories of this agreement agree to recommend to His Excellency El Hadj Omar Bongo, President of the Gabonese Republic, as international mediator for the continuing efforts for peace in Africa and particularly in the Republic of Congo, the organisation, as soon as possible and with the assistance of the international community, of an inclusive National Dialogue towards lasting peace and the return of democracy in the Republic of the Congo, Brazzaville.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Page 4, CHAPTER VII: FINAL STIPULATIONS, Article 12:
They hope for the compliance of ethical policies, guarantee of a pluralist expression of public opinion, the strictly observed practice of moderation and tolerance by both public and private media.
Mobility/access: Page 2/3, CHAPTER III: GENERAL STIPULATIONS, Article 5:
The signatories agree to the following:
...• The free movement of persons and goods, as well as humanitarian personnel, in conflict zones;
...• The development of humanitarian corridors, by the signatories, providing assistance to the population, under the control of the mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the agreements on cease-fire and end of hostilities.
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: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
Page 1, Chapter I: CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES:
The signatories of this agreement:
• Convinced that without peace, our country, the Congo, cannot preserve and consolidate national unity nor promote democracy and development;

Page 2, CHAPTER III: GENERAL STIPULATIONS, Article 5:
The signatories agree to the following:
...• The reintegration into schools and universities of pupils and students who were previously unable to take-up their schooling place because of war;
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: Page 3, CHAPTER V: FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC, Article 7:
The signatories of this agreement recommend:
...• The mobilisation of the national and international community for multiform assistance to the population and huge support of the competent NGOs, with the aim to finance the rehabilitation and retraining of FADR members;
Business: Page 2, CHAPTER III: GENERAL STIPULATIONS, Article 5:
The signatories agree to the following:
...• The reintegration of civil servants and other State officials from the para-public and private sector, who are members of the Self-Defence Forces of Resistance;
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 4, CHAPTER VI: COMMON STIPULATIONS, Article 10:
They demand the ban throughout the national territory of coercive acts and reprisals against any person or organised group that adheres and commits to promoting peace and national reconciliation.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 1, Chapter I: CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES, Article 1:
Put an end to hostilities throughout the national territory and particularly in the regions of Bouenza, Pool, Lekoumou, Niari, and Kouilou.

Page 2, Chapter II: THE MONITORING COMMISSION FOR THE AGREEMENTS ON CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES, Article 2:
The signatories of this agreement agree to the establishment of a mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the Agreement on Ceasefire and Ending Hostilities, responsible for:
• Monitoring and verifying stipulations for the implementation of ceasefires in conflict zones;
• Defining the practical implementation of the cease-fire and end of hostilities agreement throughout the country, especially in conflict areas;
• Ensuring the redeployment of the Security Forces throughout the national territory;
• Ensuring the demilitarisation of political parties, movements, and associations;
• Ensuring the collection of all weapons, ammunition and explosives.

Page 2, Chapter II: THE MONITORING COMMISSION FOR THE AGREEMENTS ON CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES, Article 3:
The mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the agreements on cease-fire and end of hostilities is placed under the auspices of His Excellency EL Hadj OMAR BONGO, President of the Gabonese Republic.

Page 2, Chapter II: THE MONITORING COMMISSION FOR THE AGREEMENTS ON CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES, Article 4:
The duties and composition of the aforementioned Committee are listed in the appendix.

Page 3, CHAPTER IV: FROM THE SECURITY FORCES: Article 6:
The signatories of this agreement demand:
...• An end to all military action against the FADR signatories of this agreement;
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: Page 2, Chapter II: THE MONITORING COMMISSION FOR THE AGREEMENTS ON CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES, Article 2:
The signatories of this agreement agree to the establishment of a mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the Agreement on Ceasefire and Ending Hostilities, responsible for:
• Ensuring the redeployment of the Security Forces throughout the national territory;

Page 2, CHAPTER III: GENERAL STIPULATIONS, Article 5:
The signatories agree to the following:
...• Recruitment into the Security Forces and reintegration of Self-Defence Forces of Resistance (FADR) members into society.

Page 3, CHAPTER IV: FROM THE SECURITY FORCES:
Political stability and peace closely depend on the solutions brought to security issues in general and to the Security Forces in particular.
The status, composition, command and the establishment of the Security Forces must guarantee the stability of institutions, peace, the mutual trust of all brothers in arms in general, and the signatories of this agreement in particular, who undertake to fully contribute to the process of the imperative reorganisation of the Security Forces, while also focusing on issues relating to rebuilding careers.

Page 3, CHAPTER IV: FROM THE SECURITY FORCES: Article 6:
The signatories of this agreement demand:
• The reorganisation of the Security Forces;
• The unconditional reinstatement into the Security Forces, reprising the same rank they held on June 5th 1997, of soldiers, gendarmes, and other civilian personnel who have joined their respective body no later than the date on which this agreement is signed;
• An end to all military action against the FADR signatories of this agreement;
• Recruitment into the Security Forces and reintegration into society of FADR members.

Page 3, CHAPTER V: FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC, Article 7:
The signatories of this agreement recommend:
• The establishment of a National Committee for the Reorganisation of the Security Forces,
DDR: Security sector→DDR→DDR programmes
Page 2, Chapter II: THE MONITORING COMMISSION FOR THE AGREEMENTS ON CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES, Article 2:
The signatories of this agreement agree to the establishment of a mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the Agreement on Ceasefire and Ending Hostilities, responsible for:
...• Ensuring the demilitarisation of political parties, movements, and associations;
• Ensuring the collection of all weapons, ammunition and explosives.

Page 2, CHAPTER III: GENERAL STIPULATIONS, Article 5:
The signatories agree to the following:
...• Reintegration of officers, NCOs, and other ranks belonging to the Self- Defence Forces of Resistance (FADR) without consultation;
• The reintegration of civil servants and other State officials from the para-public and private sector, who are members of the Self-Defence Forces of Resistance;
• The reintegration into schools and universities of pupils and students who were previously unable to take-up their schooling place because of war;
...• Recruitment into the Security Forces and reintegration of Self-Defence Forces of Resistance (FADR) members into society.

Page 3, CHAPTER IV: FROM THE SECURITY FORCES: Article 6:
The signatories of this agreement demand:
...• Recruitment into the Security Forces and reintegration into society of FADR members.

Page 3, CHAPTER V: FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC, Article 7:
The signatories of this agreement recommend:
...• The mobilisation of the national and international community for multiform assistance to the population and huge support of the competent NGOs, with the aim to finance the rehabilitation and retraining of FADR members;

Page 4, CHAPTER VI: COMMON STIPULATIONS, Article 9:
They ask all citizens and organised groups to contribute to the collection of weapons under the auspices of the Monitoring Commission assisted by the signatories.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 2, Chapter II: THE MONITORING COMMISSION FOR THE AGREEMENTS ON CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES, Article 2:
The signatories of this agreement agree to the establishment of a mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the Agreement on Ceasefire and Ending Hostilities, responsible for:
...• Ensuring the demilitarisation of political parties, movements, and associations;

Page 2, CHAPTER III: GENERAL STIPULATIONS, Article 5:
The signatories agree to the following:
...• Reintegration of officers, NCOs, and other ranks belonging to the Self- Defence Forces of Resistance (FADR) without consultation;
• The reintegration of civil servants and other State officials from the para-public and private sector, who are members of the Self-Defence Forces of Resistance;
...• The unconditional restoration of the rights of civil servants, government officials, and members of the FADR, to defend their retirement rights following the war, as on the date of June 5th they still had one (1) two (2) or three (3) years of service remaining.

Page 3, CHAPTER IV: FROM THE SECURITY FORCES: Article 6:
The signatories of this agreement demand:
...• An end to all military action against the FADR signatories of this agreement;
• Recruitment into the Security Forces and reintegration into society of FADR members.

Page 3, CHAPTER V: FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC, Article 7:
The signatories of this agreement recommend:
...• The mobilisation of the national and international community for multiform assistance to the population and huge support of the competent NGOs, with the aim to finance the rehabilitation and retraining of FADR members;
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 2, CHAPTER III: GENERAL STIPULATIONS, Article 5:
The signatories agree to the following:
• The adoption and promulgation of a General Amnesty law covering acts of war committed from 5 June 1997 up until the date this agreement is signed;
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: Page 2, CHAPTER III: GENERAL STIPULATIONS, Article 5:
The signatories agree to the following:
...• The release of all civilian and military personnel detained because of war;
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: Page 4, CHAPTER VI: COMMON STIPULATIONS, Article 10:
They demand the ban throughout the national territory of coercive acts and reprisals against any person or organised group that adheres and commits to promoting peace and national reconciliation.

Page 4, CHAPTER VII: FINAL STIPULATIONS, Article 11:
The signatories of this agreement undertake to form a united alliance that can oppose all forces that are hostile to peace and national reconciliation, as well as supporters of violence in all its forms.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: Page 1, Introduction: ...Under the mediation of "the sage of Africa", His Excellency El Hadj OMAR BONGO, President of the Gabonese Republic...

As Mediator:
p.p. the President of the Gabonese Republic and PO
The State, Interior, Public Security, and Decentralisation Minister
A. Mboumbou-Miyakou
[signed]
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: Page 2, Chapter II: THE MONITORING COMMISSION FOR THE AGREEMENTS ON CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES, Article 2:
The signatories of this agreement agree to the establishment of a mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the Agreement on Ceasefire and Ending Hostilities, responsible for:
• Monitoring and verifying stipulations for the implementation of ceasefires in conflict zones;
• Defining the practical implementation of the cease-fire and end of hostilities agreement throughout the country, especially in conflict areas;
• Ensuring the redeployment of the Security Forces throughout the national territory;
• Ensuring the demilitarisation of political parties, movements, and associations;
• Ensuring the collection of all weapons, ammunition and explosives.

Page 2, Chapter II: THE MONITORING COMMISSION FOR THE AGREEMENTS ON CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES, Article 3:
The mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the agreements on cease-fire and end of hostilities is placed under the auspices of His Excellency EL Hadj OMAR BONGO, President of the Gabonese Republic.

Page 2, Chapter II: THE MONITORING COMMISSION FOR THE AGREEMENTS ON CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES, Article 4:
The duties and composition of the aforementioned Committee are listed in the appendix.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Peace Accords Matrix: https://peaceaccords.nd.edu/

Ceasefire and ending hostilities agreement between the High Command of the Security Forces and the High Command of the Self-defence Forces of Resistance (FADR)

In Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo

AGREEMENT OF DECEMBER 29th 1999 IN BRAZZAVILLE

Signatories

1. HIGH COMMAND OF THE SECURITY FORCES

2. HIGH COMMAND OF THE SELF-DEFENCE FORCES OF RESISTANCE

Introduction

By this Agreement the High Command of the Security Forces mandated by the Government,

The Party of the First Part

and

The Party of the Second Part

The High Command of the Self-Defence Forces of Resistance (French acronym FADR), mandated by the National Resistance Council (French acronym CNR), are committed to restoring genuine and lasting peace in Congo.

The stakeholders in this agreement are convinced that one of the necessary conditions for the establishment of genuine and lasting peace in our country is the non-use of arms, without exception, to resolve political conflicts.

From now on, this agreement aims to record all the relevant clauses to ending hostilities and their induced effects.

Under the mediation of "the sage of Africa", His Excellency El Hadj OMAR BONGO, President of the Gabonese Republic, both parties agree as follows:

Chapter I:

CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES

The signatories of this agreement:

• Convinced that without peace, our country, the Congo, cannot preserve and consolidate national unity nor promote democracy and development;

• Convinced that only dialogue and the non-resort to weapons, without exception, can provide a lasting solution to our country's internal and external conflicts.

• Convinced that peace can be restored and preserved through the establishment of a national dialogue, agree to:

Article 1:

Put an end to hostilities throughout the national territory and particularly in the regions of Bouenza, Pool, Lekoumou, Niari, and Kouilou.

Chapter II:

THE MONITORING COMMISSION FOR THE AGREEMENTS ON CEASE-FIRE AND END OF HOSTILITIES

Article 2:

The signatories of this agreement agree to the establishment of a mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the Agreement on Ceasefire and Ending Hostilities, responsible for:

• Monitoring and verifying stipulations for the implementation of ceasefires in conflict zones;

• Defining the practical implementation of the cease-fire and end of hostilities agreement throughout the country, especially in conflict areas;

• Ensuring the redeployment of the Security Forces throughout the national territory;

• Ensuring the demilitarisation of political parties, movements, and associations;

• Ensuring the collection of all weapons, ammunition and explosives.

Article 3:

The mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the agreements on cease-fire and end of hostilities is placed under the auspices of His Excellency EL Hadj OMAR BONGO, President of the Gabonese Republic.

Article 4:

The duties and composition of the aforementioned Committee are listed in the appendix.

CHAPTER III:

GENERAL STIPULATIONS

Article 5:

The signatories agree to the following:

• The adoption and promulgation of a General Amnesty law covering acts of war committed from 5 June 1997 up until the date this agreement is signed;

• The free movement of persons and goods, as well as humanitarian personnel, in conflict zones;

• Reintegration of officers, NCOs, and other ranks belonging to the Self- Defence Forces of Resistance (FADR) without consultation;

• The reintegration of civil servants and other State officials from the para-public and private sector, who are members of the Self-Defence Forces of Resistance;

• The reintegration into schools and universities of pupils and students who were previously unable to take-up their schooling place because of war;

• The release of all civilian and military personnel detained because of war;

• Recruitment into the Security Forces and reintegration of Self-Defence Forces of Resistance (FADR) members into society.

• The development of humanitarian corridors, by the signatories, providing assistance to the population, under the control of the mixed and equal Monitoring Commission for the agreements on cease-fire and end of hostilities.

• The unconditional return of civil servants and other State officials to their respective services with a review of administrative situations;

• The unconditional restoration of the rights of civil servants, government officials, and members of the FADR, to defend their retirement rights following the war, as on the date of June 5th they still had one (1) two (2) or three (3) years of service remaining.

CHAPTER IV:

FROM THE SECURITY FORCES

Political stability and peace closely depend on the solutions brought to security issues in general and to the Security Forces in particular.

The status, composition, command and the establishment of the Security Forces must guarantee the stability of institutions, peace, the mutual trust of all brothers in arms in general, and the signatories of this agreement in particular, who undertake to fully contribute to the process of the imperative reorganisation of the Security Forces, while also focusing on issues relating to rebuilding careers.

Article 6:

The signatories of this agreement demand:

• The reorganisation of the Security Forces;

• The unconditional reinstatement into the Security Forces, reprising the same rank they held on June 5th 1997, of soldiers, gendarmes, and other civilian personnel who have joined their respective body no later than the date on which this agreement is signed;

• An end to all military action against the FADR signatories of this agreement;

• Recruitment into the Security Forces and reintegration into society of FADR members.

CHAPTER V:

FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC

Article 7:

The signatories of this agreement recommend:

• The establishment of a National Committee for the Reorganisation of the Security Forces,

• The mobilisation of the national and international community for multiform assistance to the population and huge support of the competent NGOs, with the aim to finance the rehabilitation and retraining of FADR members;

• The recognition of the stipulation to relax the official schooling age in favour of those children whose schooling was disrupted by war.

CHAPTER VI:

COMMON STIPULATIONS

Article 8:

The signatories of this agreement agree to promote and integrate all initiatives that contribute to the preservation of peace in the Republic of Congo.

Article 9:

They ask all citizens and organised groups to contribute to the collection of weapons under the auspices of the Monitoring Commission assisted by the signatories.

Article 10:

They demand the ban throughout the national territory of coercive acts and reprisals against any person or organised group that adheres and commits to promoting peace and national reconciliation.

CHAPTER VII:

FINAL STIPULATIONS

Article 11:

The signatories of this agreement undertake to form a united alliance that can oppose all forces that are hostile to peace and national reconciliation, as well as supporters of violence in all its forms.

Article 12:

They hope for the compliance of ethical policies, guarantee of a pluralist expression of public opinion, the strictly observed practice of moderation and tolerance by both public and private media.

Article 13:

The signatories of this agreement agree to recommend to His Excellency El Hadj Omar Bongo, President of the Gabonese Republic, as international mediator for the continuing efforts for peace in Africa and particularly in the Republic of Congo, the organisation, as soon as possible and with the assistance of the international community, of an inclusive National Dialogue towards lasting peace and the return of democracy in the Republic of the Congo, Brazzaville.

Article 14:

The signatories declare to be fully bound by the terms of the present agreement and promise to implement it completely.

Drawn up in Brazzaville, on December 29th 1999

Signatories

p.p. the High Command of the FADR

Colonel Pierre Boungou-Boungou

[signed]

p.p. the High Command of the Security Forces

General Gilbert Mokoki

[signed]

Colonel Victor Moukanda

[signed]

Colonel Emmanuel Boungouanza

[signed]

Joseph Mbizi

[signed]

Colonel François Bouesse

[signed]

p.p. the President of the Gabonese Republic and PO

The State, Interior, Public Security, and Decentralisation Minister

A. Mboumbou-Miyakou

[signed]

p.p. the President of the Republic of Congo and PO

The Interior, Security, and State Administration Minister

General Pierre Oba

[signed]

Ceasefire and ending hostilities agreement between the High Command of the Security Forces and the High Command of the Self-defence Forces of Resistance (FADR)

Groups

Gender

State definition

Governance

Power sharing

Human rights and equality

Rights related issues

Rights institutions

Justice sector reform

Socio-economic reconstruction

Land, property and environment

Security sector

Transitional justice

Implementation

Source agreement