Paris, October 20, 2022. While massacres are taking place in Chad at the time of writing, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its Chadian organizations, the Chadian League for Human Rights (LTDH) and the Chadian Association for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (ATPDH), call for an immediate end to the violent repression by the defense and security forces of the demonstrations in N’Djamena, Sarh, Doba, Koumra, Abeche and Moundou. They call on the international community to end the impunity of the Chadian transitional regime.
In response to an opposition call, on October 20, 2022, despite the official ban, demonstrators rallied in several cities across the country to protest the two-year extension of the “transition period” and the continuation of Mahamat Idriss Déby as Chad’s president .
According to FIDH member organizations and various Chadian media, live ammunition shootings, torture and arbitrary arrests are taking place, which has already resulted in several deaths and serious injuries. Ambulances carrying wounded are reportedly being attacked by police and security forces. A journalist was also fatally shot. Selective kidnappings at night are feared.
FIDH and its member organizations strongly condemn this repression and stand by the victims. Violence against unarmed demonstrators is unacceptable. They also recall that the disproportionate use of force is a violation of the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Constitution of Chad and in the international and regional legal instruments ratified by Chad.
FIDH and its affiliates call on the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union and countries with strategic interests in Chad, particularly France, to act urgently to end violence against the civilian population in Chad.
The de facto status of the Chadian government, which enjoys impunity for the crimes it commits against its people, is unacceptable. The international community can no longer protect Mahamat Idriss Déby, who governs his country against all democratic norms. Despite strategic interests, tyrants must not be tolerated.