N’Djamena, Chad, 17 October– The Chadian government and the conservation organisation African Parks have restored their partnership agreements for the management of the country’s protected areas, ending a two-week diplomatic standoff triggered by Chad’s unilateral termination of the accords earlier this month.
In a joint statement signed in N’Djamena by Environment Minister Hassan Bakhit Djamous and African Parks’ Chief Executive Officer Peter Fearnhead, both parties confirmed that dialogue had resumed “in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.”
The communiqué states that the Ministry of Environment, Fisheries and Sustainable Development has reinstated all management agreements with African Parks “with full effect,” while the organisation has acknowledged the government’s concerns and expressed its commitment to rebuilding relations on renewed foundations.
The two partners also agreed to negotiate long-term co-management frameworks for several key conservation areas: the Zakouma National Park and its surrounding ecosystem, the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve, and the Aouk Project.
In the interim, African Parks will continue to co-manage and fund operations at these sites to ensure ongoing protection efforts.
“We deeply value this renewed commitment, built on trust and collaboration”, said Fearnhead in an African Parks press release. “The reinstatement of our agreements provides a stable foundation to continue safeguarding some of Chad’s most extraordinary natural and cultural landscapes, together with the communities who depend on them.”
The resumption of cooperation marks a major diplomatic de-escalation and is seen as a positive signal for international partners and for the preservation of Chad’s environmental achievements.
Feature image: Tiang at Rigueik in Zakouma National Park in Chad. Inyathi.
