By John Ikani
Human Rights Watch and the Chadian Convention for the Defence of Human Rights (Convention Tchadienne de Défense des Droits de l’Homme – CTDDH) say Security forces killed at least 13 people, including a 12-year-old child, and injured over 80 others in Abéché, Ouaddaï province, Chad, on January 24 and 25, 2022.
According to the groups, the casualties were recorded as security forces violently dispersed thousands of protesters who took to the streets of Abéché to demonstrate against plans to appoint a new traditional chief from the ethnic Bani Halba community in Abéché.
The city already has a traditional leader, called the sultan, from the Ouaddaïen community.
The rights group says some of the soldiers who indiscriminately opened fire were members of the Chadian army while others were part of a joint force comprising troops from Sudan and Chad.
It said they used tear gas, assault rifles and machine guns.
“The decision by security forces to open fire on peaceful protesters and residents is completely unjustifiable,” said Mahamat Nour Ahmat Ibédou, secretary general of the CTDDH.
“Only a thorough and impartial investigation into the excessive use of force by security forces will be able to establish who is responsible and bring them to account.”
A government minister said he regretted the deaths but denied the security forces had used live ammunition.
