There are at least 50 people deceased Another 300 injured in a series of demonstrations that shook Chad To protest the decision of President Mahamat Idriss Deby since Wednesday to consolidate in position over the next two years.
According to Radio France Internationale, this is when Chad’s interim prime minister, Saleh Kebzabo, took the opportunity to attack protesters during a speech, accusing him of “organizing a genuine armed popular uprising”. According to Chad news portal Alwihda Info, Kebzabo said, “The Government of the Republic of Chad will bring order to the entire region and will no longer tolerate any extremism, wherever it comes from.” Said.
The riots were violently suppressed by the security forces, and at least a dozen dead agents were added, and they are registered both in the capital, N’Djamena, and in Moundou, the country’s second largest city. According to information from the Tchadinfos portal, protesters attacked public buildings, including the Governor’s Office, and the headquarters of the National Union for Development and Renewal (UNDR), the transitional prime minister’s formation.
Kebzabo himself this Thursday curfew in the capital and two other places -Doba and Koumra- close to Moundou city. The exceptional measure will take effect tonight and will take effect between 18:00 and 06:00 (local time). N’Djamena mayor Ali Haroun called for calm and solidarity in the capital so that “a sense of moderation and patriotism” prevails. Overflow of the Logone and Chari rivers.
Déby took office in April last year after his father, Idriss Deby Itno, was killed during a military operation against rebels after 30 years in power. current ruler promised to return power to civilians After 18 months, expiring this month.
international reactions
According to the aforementioned Chad news portal, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned the use of force against demonstrators and urged the authorities to “guarantee the security and protection of Human Rights”. Therefore, the United Nations body called for “calm and moderation on both sides” and asked the Government of Chad to ensure that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is respected. Reported violations should be investigated.”
Likewise, Moussa Faki Mahamat, former President of Chad and Chairman of the African Union Commission, vehemently condemned the “oppression” of protesters in the African country after learning of the events. “I urge the parties to respect human life and property and support peaceful ways of overcoming the crisis,” the head of the African Union Commission said in his official profile on the social network Twitter.
French diplomacy, for its part, has issued a statement in which it agrees with the condemnation of these acts of violence, which they say were used “lethal weapons against protesters”. “France does not play any role in these events, which are entirely related to Chad’s domestic policy,” he added, rejecting “false information” linked to the protests.
4 dead in front of US embassy
The US State Department also condemned clashes between security forces and protesters before demanding accountability for those responsible for the violence. “We are deeply concerned about the news of the missing and urge all parties to de-escalate and limit tensions,” a ministry spokesman said in a press release. Said.
Price also reported Four people died outside the front door of the US Embassy. In the country, after the attack of civilians by private vehicles clearing police checkpoints. “We condemn the unauthorized use of Embassy property by demonstrators participating in the protests,” a US spokesperson said.
Likewise, Washington has sent a call to parts of the country to “refrain from violence and prioritize dialogue and respect for human rights.” “We watch with concern the government’s disdain for the explicit directive of the African Union Peace and Security Council,” Price said. It prioritizes a government in a country elected in free and fair elections and overseen by independent institutions.” “(The elections) will offer Chad’s best hope out of decades of conflict. We will continue to support the people of Chad in pursuing their aspirations for a reliable and timely transition to democracy.”
live ammunition shots
Amnesty International (AI) also spoke about the violent clashes recorded in various cities of Chad and recalled: The use of force to maintain order must be “strictly necessary and proportionate”“, while stating that the use of firearms is prohibited except in the imminent danger of death or serious injury.
According to the first testimonies collected by AI, security forces fired live bullets at protesters (…), Samira Daoud, Amnesty International’s regional director for West and Central Africa, announced that it had killed several dozen people, including a child. “We urge the Chadian authorities to immediately stop the excessive use of force against protesters,” the NGO’s regional director stressed, after emphasizing the international right to freedom of peaceful assembly in both national documents. Said. “These provisions must be respected to allow everyone to express themselves freely and without fear for their lives.” David, on the other hand, asked the authorities to take “immediate action” to investigate “perpetrators of illegal killings” and bring them to justice.