Commitment between the 6 Armed Groups of Haute Kotto

  • 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 - ) )
  • 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.


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