The national forum on traditional chiefs is underway in Mongo, the capital of Chad's Guera province. On its second day, one of the four themes being discussed is "republican values," presented by sociologist Dr. Mbété Félix. He emphasized that society should be built around principles such as unity, work, truth, and the recognition and promotion of the country's assets and wealth. Dr. Félix stressed that traditional chiefs, who are highly respected and consulted, must embody and promote these values.
Dr. Mbété Félix called for traditional chiefs to promote values and not be used to perpetuate counter-values. He noted that a community must take into account shared human values and can defend its members, but when some members regularly engage in reprehensible acts, knowing they will be defended, it can lead to chaos. He warned that if this continues, society will head towards a dead end. The sociologist also highlighted inequalities, particularly in the application of the Dia in certain communities, where high amounts are often required, making it difficult for low-income individuals to access justice.
Dr. Félix emphasized the importance of unity among Chadians, stating that when people fail to understand the importance of unity, they lose their capacity to succeed in life. He called on Chadians to work harder, criticizing the fact that some civil servants receive salaries without working, which he considers a form of theft. According to him, without work, there can be no unity and no progress. He also discussed the concept of "contributive justice," where the functioning of society involves three parties: the living, the dead, and those yet to be born.
The sociologist denounced counter-values such as lying, stealing, begging, and sorcery. He expressed regret that some officials no longer visit their villages due to the prevalence of sorcery. Dr. Félix proposed organizing traditional chiefs by degree to improve their management and effectiveness. He also suggested reviving traditional methods of conflict resolution, such as the "palabre," which involves exchanging and discussing ideas to resolve problems.
Dr. Félix's presentation was part of a broader discussion on the role of traditional chiefs in promoting social cohesion and peace. The forum, which brings together traditional chiefs from across the country, aims to strengthen their capacity to mediate conflicts and promote national values. The Chadian government has been working to revitalize the role of traditional chiefs in promoting peace and stability, particularly in rural areas.
The national forum on traditional chiefs is an important initiative to promote unity and social cohesion in Chad. The country's president, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, has emphasized the importance of traditional chiefs in promoting peace and stability. The forum provides a platform for traditional chiefs to discuss the challenges they face and to identify ways to improve their effectiveness in promoting national values.
The discussions at the forum are expected to lead to concrete recommendations on how to strengthen the role of traditional chiefs in Chad. The recommendations will likely focus on promoting unity, social cohesion, and national values, as well as improving the management and effectiveness of traditional chiefs. The outcome of the forum will be closely watched by stakeholders, who hope that it will contribute to promoting peace and stability in Chad.
Key points
- Dr. Mbété Félix emphasizes the importance of unity and work in building a cohesive society.
- The sociologist denounces counter-values such as lying, stealing, and sorcery.
- The forum aims to strengthen the capacity of traditional chiefs to mediate conflicts and promote national values.
