Deadly crackdown in Chad: AfricTivistes expresses its dismay and prays for the repose of the souls of those who have died

On 20 October 2022, Chadian security forces violently suppressed demonstrations held in the cities of N’Djamena, Sarh, Doba, Koumra, Abéché, Moundou and elsewhere against the extension, for a further two years, of the military transition period, which was due to end this October. Around fifty people were killed and more than three hundred injured – some seriously – as a result of these peaceful public demonstrations.

A chaotic situation that once again raises the issue of the failure to respect constitutional order and transitions in Africa; but also the restriction of civic space in Africa, and particularly in Chad.

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

This is not the first time that loss of life has been reported in Chad. In 2021, following protests against the succession of Marshal Idriss Deby Itno by his son and current transitional President, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, two people were killed during demonstrations in several towns across the country.

This violence is plunging Chad back into a climate of terror that has plagued the country ever since it gained international sovereignty.

AfricTivistes strongly condemns this bloody crackdown on demonstrators, as well as the torture and arbitrary arrests carried out by the security forces.
We believe that nothing can justify this excessive use of force against citizens who were expressing their views on the democratic functioning of their country.

AfricTivistes stands in solidarity with the people of Chad. It is with heavy hearts that we express our deepest sympathy to the victims of this bloody crackdown and to their families.

In a public appeal issued last week, AfricTivistes and other Chadian and African organisations had warned of the risks of a dynastic succession plan coming to fruition in the country.

We hereby reiterate all the concerns set out in this appeal for the restoration of republican order in Chad. In this regard, we call for the appointment of new transitional authorities to oversee the various future milestones leading to transparent referendums, credible elections and a peaceful handover of power.

AfricTivistes is also calling for an independent international inquiry to be launched to shed light on the abuses and killings that took place on 20 October 2022 and to ensure that appropriate sanctions are imposed on those who ordered and carried out this appalling repression.

We also call on international institutions and partners – particularly those in Africa with ties to Chad – to reconsider their cooperation with the current regime led by Mahamat Idriss Deby.

Finally, AfricTivistes calls on African activists to join forces to support Chadian civil society in its struggle to restore democratic order.