The issue of civil society’s participation or not to the advocated political dialogue is dividing Central African Republic stakeholders as two camps are confronting their viewpoints on the issue. The debate took place during the consultation meeting on the political dialogue organized by the UN Peace Building Support Office in the CAR, BONUCA, at the National Assembly’s palace from 22 to 24 August.

Members of opposition parties strongly defend the viewpoint according to which the dialogue should exclusively concern “authorities in power, civil opposition and armed opposition” whereas civil society’s members indicate their determination not to play a figurative role in the national arena.

Arguing, Barrister Henri Pouzere, leaders of the group of opposition parties and associations declared, “all socio-economic problems of the country were already thoroughly discussed during the national dialogue” and what remains is only the implementation of the national dialogue’s recommendations. Consequently, there is no point re-debating them. “This is why the dialogue in perspective should be a highly political dialogue,” Pouzere added.

Guns do not make citizens unequal

Contradicting, Barrister Lambert Zokoezo said, “it is not because certain fellow citizens decided to take guns in order to express themselves that they are more important than others.”

Zokoezo warned the opinion against an attitude that “is likely to remove essential sap from the debate.” He concludes saying that “the civil society that groups a gallery of leaderships including human rights, women organizations, liberal professions, NGOs, associations, labour unions, and religious confessions has a say in all national issues.”

President Francois Bozize reluctantly accepted the principle of holding of the above-mentioned political dialogue in his 13 August Independence Speech after trying the military option in vain.

The forum will aim at restoring confidence among fellow citizens and putting an end to war in the northwest and northeast of the country where several rebel movements are operating with the presumed support of Sudan .

Observers believe Gen Bozize can take advantage of this misunderstanding between the traditional partners that are opposition and civil society to extricate himself, and control the ins and outs of the forum.

The success of the announced political dialogue is likely to depend on the inclination of antagonists to make concessions.