September, Friday 20, 2024

Chad Offers Amnesty to Police Involved in Fatal Protester Shootings on Black Thursday


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The military-led government in Chad has granted amnesty to security forces responsible for killing at least 50 opposition protestors. In 2022, people took to the streets to express their opposition to interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno's decision to extend his rule. The authorities responded with a violent crackdown that resulted in the deaths of 50 individuals on what has been referred to as "Black Thursday." However, human rights organizations claim that the actual death toll is much higher, estimating it to be over 300. Additionally, more than 600 people, including 83 minors, were arrested and subjected to mass trials. This amnesty is part of an agreement with opposition leader Succès Masra in an effort to promote national reconciliation. Nevertheless, some members of the opposition have criticized the move, viewing it as an attempt to avoid accountability for the crimes committed. Yaya Dillo, president of the Socialist Without Borders Party, stated that it is merely a ploy by the military junta to gain peace and reconciliation while disregarding their own crimes. Dillo encourages the victims of last year's incident to seek justice at the international level. According to Amnesty International, over 943 people were arrested and 265 were convicted in relation to these protests. The convictions were primarily for charges of "unauthorized assembly, destruction of property, and arson." In April, the president pardoned and released 259 individuals. President Deby assumed leadership of Chad following his father's death in 2021 after ruling the country with an authoritarian grip for three decades. He initially pledged to return power to civilians through elections after an 18-month transition period. However, he extended his tenure by two years at the end of the transition period, which sparked the protests. There have been recent promises from the government that a date for free elections will be announced in December, signaling a transition towards civilian rule.