Chadians took to the streets on Tuesday, at the call of the opposition and civil society organizations, to protest against the Transitional Military Council (CMT) which runs the country after the death of President Idriss Déby Itno, and demand the return to constitutional order. At least five people have been killed in unclear circumstances.
Police reportedly dispersed protesters with tear gas and gunshots were reportedly fired at protesters; what the authorities deny. In principle, gatherings, although presented as peaceful, have been banned by the CMT.
In a message addressed to the nation, Mahamat Idriss Déby, the son of the late president, at the head of the CMT, promised “free and democratic elections” as soon as possible. Some sources speak of 18 months.
The CMT has dissolved the government and the National Assembly, and promises to draft a new constitution.
Reacting to today’s protests, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned “with the greatest firmness the repression” in the country. “I am for a democratic, peaceful, inclusive transition, I am not for a succession plan” in Chad, he said during a press conference, alongside his host, Félix Tshisekedi, president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Tshisekedi, also current president of the African Union, for his part, called on the authorities in Ndjamena to “return to democratic order very quickly”. “We obviously support the current stability on condition that it goes very quickly towards the consolidation of democracy”, he insisted.
By OMA Newsletter N ° 245 of 04/27/2021
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