The new peace agreement signed between the Central African Republic (CAR) and rebel groups earlier this week calls for the creation of a truth and reconciliation commission within 90 days, according to Associated Press (AP).
The deal, signed on Wednesday by 14 militia leaders and CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera, is the eighth attempt to forge peace since fighting began in the country almost six years ago.
The 30-page peace pact evokes four main points: victims, justice, peace and national reconciliation.
The parties to the deal also reportedly agreed to establish joint security patrols with soldiers and members of rebel groups over a two-year period.
Additionally, it was agreed that rebel groups will undertake to respect the legitimacy of the country’s institutions, and renounce the use of arms and violence against the defense and security forces, U.N. personnel and humanitarian workers.
They also agree to refrain from any act of destruction, occupation of public buildings, place of worship and violence against the civilian population, as well as acts of sexual or gender-based violence.
In exchange, armed groups are able to create political parties.
On the government side, they will monitor the agreement and analyze the reintegration of the leaders of armed groups who formerly served as civil servants or military.
The violence in CAR, which broke out in 2012, has left thousands dead and forced a quarter of the 4.5 million population to flee their homes. Last year the UN warned that this rural exodus could drive the country into famine.
The African Union, which oversaw the negotiations on Jan. 24 in Khartoum, has expressed optimism about the agreement for the future of CAR.
