Two 1994 published sources refer to Front des forces d'action pour la république-FFAR (Action Forces Front for the Republic) as an "illegal party" (RFI 3 March 1994) or as an "unrecognized group" (Political Handbook of the World 1995 1995, 167). In Europa World Yearbook 1999, the FFAR is described as a "separatist" grouping which, won one seat in the 1997 Chadian legislative balloting (1999, 173).

During a 30 September 1999 telephone interview, the chairman of the Fédération d'action pour la république-FAR explained that his party was founded on 2 January 1989 as Front des forces d'action pour la république-FFAR. Legalized in August 1994, the party also changed its name and adopted a less militarist name of the Fédération d'action pour la république-FAR. The FAR main objective was and remains the installation of a federal régime in Chad with more powers allowed to different regions of the country. The FAR is a national party whose members are from all different regions and ethnic groups. Until now, the party does not distribute membership cards. The chairman of the FAR indicated that he is not aware of the arrest of any FAR member during the two last years. For his own arrest, please see TCD32848.E of 1 October 1999 available at all regional documentation centres.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

The Europa World Year Book 1999. 1998. Vol. 1. London: Europa Publications Ltd.

Fédération d'action pour la République-FAR, N'jamana. 30 September 1999. Telephone interview with the president, also member of Chadian parliament and chairman of la Fondation pour le respect des lois et des libertés -FORELLI (the Foundation for the Respect of Laws and Liberty).

Political Handbook of the World: 1995. 1995. Edited by Arthur S. Banks. Binghamton, NY: CSA Publications.

Radio France Internationale [Paris, in French]. 4 March 1994. "Chad: Opposition Leader Detained." (NEXIS)

Additional Sources Consulted

Africa Confidential [London]. 1998 to present.

Africa Research Bulletin [London]. 1998-January 1999.

L'Autre Afrique [Paris]. 1998-September 1999.

Amnesty International. Annual Report. 1999.

Amnesty International Online Web site.

Country Reports for 1998. 1999.

FIDH Web site.

Jeune Afrique [Paris]. 1998-September 1999.

Keesing's Record Of World Events [Cambridge]. 1998 to present.

La Lettre hebdomadaire de la FIDH [Paris]. 1998-August 1999.

New African [London]. 1998-June 1999.

Le Nouvel Afrique-Asie [Paris]. 1998-August 1999.

West Africa [London]. 1998-Mai 1999.

Electronic Sources: IRB Databases, LEXIS/NEXIS, World News Connection (WNC), Internet.