Tensions and Signs of Societal Division in Chad

Sudan Horizon – Agencies

Criticism is growing among Chadians regarding the strict restrictions imposed on civil and political liberties, and the imprisonment of figures opposed to President Mohamed Idriss Déby since his election in May of last year, according to reports published by Deutsche Welle on its French-language website (Tuesday). The reports concluded that calls for the release of opposition members, directed at President Mohamed Idriss Déby, are increasing.

According to these reports, many Chadians condemn the restrictions on civil and political liberties, which have persisted since the election of Mohamed Idriss Déby Itno in May 2024, and are urging him to assume his responsibilities by adopting a neutral stance and guaranteeing the protection of all citizens.

In a recent statement, bishops called on the Chadian president to grant amnesty to political opponents, specifically mentioning Socrates Messra and Idriss Youssouf Boye, the former president’s chief of staff, who have fallen out of favor and have been imprisoned for several months.

According to Evariste Ngarlem Touldi, a Chadian academic and political scientist, Chad needs to “release political prisoners.” He argues that recent statements clearly demonstrate the truth the government refuses to acknowledge: what the country needs by the end of this year is the release of political prisoners, particularly opposition leader Socrates Masra and General Idriss Youssouf Boye.

Touldi asserts that what the people need is not a presidential pardon; many Chadians prefer a general amnesty and the release of these prisoners, and they expect the president to take a decisive step toward easing political tensions.

For his part, the president of the National Human Rights Commission, Belingar Larmi Laguerre, is calling on the Chadian presidency to assume its responsibilities. It is believed that “the circumstances of General Idriss Youssouf Boye and Dr. Najah Masra do not, under any circumstances, allow the National Human Rights Commission to oppose their release. Nor can we obstruct any judicial procedure. This is the responsibility of the highest authorities: if they deem the conditions favorable, Najah Masra, Idriss Youssouf Boye, and other prisoners held in similar circumstances will be released. We welcome this, as it will contribute to easing political tensions.”

Critics of the government are demanding greater fairness in the administration of public affairs, particularly regarding appointments to political positions, which appear to be the exclusive domain of supporters of President Mohamed Idriss Déby Itno.

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