Two Chadian tribal groups agree to co-exist peacefully following UN initiative

1 July - Two tribal communities in eastern Chad have agreed to end a long-running feud and live peacefully together under an initiative co-sponsored by the United Nations peacekeeping mission to the country.

MINURCAT, the UN mission to Chad and the neighbouring Central African Republic (CAR), and local authorities in the town of Adre brought together members of the ethnic Zaghawa and Massalit communities yesterday to formalize the end to their feud.

The meeting took place as part of an Intercommunity Dialogue launched last month, according to a press release issued by MINURCAT. That initiative is a joint effort between the mission, the European Union and Chadian authorities and is aimed at promoting dialogue between different groups to reduce tensions and foster a culture of tolerance.

The agreement at yesterday's meeting in Adre means members of the Massalit community can return to their original settlements, and both groups have committed to living peacefully side by side with their countrymen.