The conflict represented a rekindling of traditional animosities between the Muslims of the northern and central regions and the predominantly non-Muslim people of the south who had dominated the government and civil service since independence.
Southern prefects advised that in addition to lingering animosity based on the early association of FAN with FROLINAT, which had worked to oust the southern-based government of François Tombalbaye, a major concern in that region was the conduct of the army.
[6][7][8] The congress was closed on June 27 by Habré, who in his closing speech announced the merge in the new movement of three political parties already allied with the government, representing the Minister of Health Abba Siddick's Frolinat Originel, Delwa Kassiré Koumakoye's National Rally for Development and Progress and Minister of State Djidingar Dono Ngardoum's Assembly for Unity and Chadian Democracy.
According to Robert Buijtenhuijs, the delay of the congress had been due mostly to Habré's fear to be put in minority by the FAN's old guard, and he had to impose himself forcefully to coax[spelling?]
As part of an attempt to leave the political pro-northern "ghetto" in which Habré was confined and establish a fairer the equilibrium between north and south, 25 of the 80 selected members were southerners.
[6][7][8] The day after the closing of the congress, on June 28, the Central Committee convened for the first time and proceeded to nominate the members of the Executive Bureau, a 15-strong body chaired by the President and meant to serve as the primary liaison between the party and the government.