A period of “inclusive political dialogue” began in the Central African Republic on 8 December. The dialogue brings together the various actors – rebels and government – in the CAR. It was established by various decrees in October and November 2007. There is a website with further details here.

Among those participating are President François Bozizé, former president Ange-Félix Patassé, who has returned to Bangui after five years in exile, and the head of the rebel army Jean-Jacques Demafouth. The dialogue is scheduled to last until 20 December. There is a report in jeune afrique here.

The dialogue is officially due to address three themes: 1.) Questions of politics and governance; 2.) The security situation and armed groups; 3.) Economic and social development.

Under the first theme, the question of the constitution is on the agenda of the first sub-theme – political questions. In addition, governance from an institutional point of view is one of the issues to be discussed under the second sub-theme – governance. So, no doubt there will be some reflection on the CAR’s semi-presidential constitution.

My guess is that semi-presidential will suit the actors very well because it offers the promise of some sort of power-sharing. Whether the constitution, and the actors, are in a position deliver any such power-sharing is a different matter entirely.