On 20 October 2022, Chadian security forces violently repressed demonstrations organised in the towns of N’Djamena, Sarh, Doba, Koumra, Abéché, Moundou, Koumra, etc. against the extension for two more years of the military transition that was due to end this October. Some fifty people were killed and more than three hundred injured, some of them very seriously, following these peaceful marches by the population.

This chaotic situation once again raises the issue of the non-compliance with constitutional orders and transitions in Africa, as well as the restriction of civic space in Africa, particularly in Chad.

However, Articles 6 and 8 of the Transitional Charter respectively guarantee the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens as well as the right to respect for human life and physical and moral integrity. Article 10 adds that no citizen may be subjected to degrading or humiliating treatment or to torture. These rights and freedoms are also protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

This is not a precedent in Chad, where loss of life was also noted in 2021 following demonstrations against the replacement of Field Marshal Idriss Deby Itno by his son and current President of the Transition Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. Two people were killed during the demonstrations in several towns in the country.

This violence plunges the country back into a situation of terror that has persisted since its independence.

AfricTivistes strongly condemns this bloody repression of demonstrators as well as the torture and arbitrary arrests perpetrated by the security forces.

We believe that nothing can justify this abusive use of force against citizens who were expressing their opinion on the democratic functioning of their country.

AfricTivistes stands in solidarity with the Chadian people. It is with a heavy heart that we express our sympathy to the families of the victims of this bloody repression.

In an appeal published last week, AfricTivistes and other Chadian and African organisations warned of the risks of a plan for the establishment of a dynastic succession in the country.

We reiterate all the concerns mentioned in that appeal for the return of republican order in Chad. We therefore call for the designation of new transitional authorities to lead the various future processes leading to transparent referendums, credible elections and a peaceful transfer of power.

AfricTivistes also calls for the opening of an independent international enquiry to shed light on the atrocities and killings that took place on 20 October 2022 and to impose appropriate sanctions against the sponsors and perpetrators of this abominable repression.

We also call on international institutions and partners, particularly African ones, to reconsider their collaboration with the current regime led by Mahamat Idriss Deby.

Finally, AfricTivistes calls on African civil society to join forces to support Chadian civil society in its struggle for the return of democratic order.