438 Chapter 4
Coding changes: Start Date changed from July 26, 1995.
482 Central African Republic/483 Chad
MID#1323
Dispute Number: 1323
Date(s): January 1, 1969 to February 3, 1969
Participants: 482 Central African Republic/483 Chad
Outcome (and Settlement): Compromise (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: In 1964 French-speaking African countries—the Congo Republic,
Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, and the Central African Republic (CAR)—formed an eco-
nomic organization known as the Economic Community of Central African States
(or UDEAC), which took effect on January 1, 1966. More investment flowed to the
coastal countries, so UDEAC called for taxes and tariffs that would encourage more
investment in the Congo and CAR. However, after two years the coastal countries
continued to receive more investment. On April 2, 1968, Chad and the Central African
Republic left the UDEAC to join with Zaire in a new economic organization known
as the Union of Central African States (UEAC). These states also signed agreements
to create a joint airline, to combine their transportation systems, and to establish new
defense pacts.
The UEAC did not last long. On December 9, CAR announced that it would
leave the UEAC to rejoin UDEAC. Protests followed in Fort Lamy and Kinshasa.
A week later Presidents Tombalbaye (Chad) and Mobutu (Zaire) met and reaffirmed
their intention to carry on with UEAC. On December 31, Chad officially left the
UDEAC, and the next day it imposed duties on goods from UDEAC-member states.
CAR responded by closing its border with Chad on January 1, 1969, and imposing
a blockade that continued throughout the month. Meanwhile, from January 27 to 29,
the Joint African and Malagasy Organization (OCAM) held its Fourth Conference of
Heads of State in Kinshasa. While there, OCAM provided mediation in the dispute,
which led the disputants to sign an agreement on February 3 to end the blockade and
reopen the border.
MID#4284
Dispute Number: 4284
Date(s): December 21, 2001
Participants: 482 Central African Republic/483 Chad
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Unclear)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Chad granted asylum and safe harbor to rebel leaders fleeing the Central
African Republic (CAR). CAR responded by closing its border and sending reinforce-
ments to the area.
Coding changes: Outcome changed from Unclear.