Several political parties were suspended on Thursday following confrontations between police and demonstrators that left some 50 people dead and nearly 300 injured. Seven political parties are affected by the three-month suspension. This is at least what is stated in two decrees signed on Thursday.
In a statement on state television on Thursday 20 October, Saleh Kebzabo, the newly appointed Chadian Prime Minister, announced precautionary measures following the serious abuses of Thursday. This involves “the introduction of a curfew from 6pm to 6am until order is fully restored in Ndjamena, Moundou, Doba and Koumra”. And also, “the suspension of all public activities of political parties and civil society organisations, notably the Transformers, the Socialist Party without Borders, Al Takhadoum and Waki Tamma
According to an order from the Ministry of Territorial Administration, this measure concerns the political groups Les Transformateurs, the Front Populaire pour la Fédération (FPF), the Socialist Party without Borders (PSF), the Patriots (LP), Al Takhadoum, the Rally for Justice and Equality of Chadians (RAJET) and the Party of Democrats for Renewal (PDR).
The Minister also announced that legal action “will be taken following cases of death, theft of weapons of war and destruction of public buildings and public and private vehicles” notably against the Transformers, the Socialist Party without Borders, Al Takhadoum and Waki Tamma. They are accused of “disturbing public order and security in such a way as to undermine State security and the proper functioning of republican institutions” in Chad.
Moreover, it should be recalled that these suspended political parties were the instigators of the confrontations on Thursday in several cities of the country. These demonstrations resulted in more than 50 deaths and over 300 injuries. An initial report yesterday put the number of dead at around 30 and several injured. Indeed, it was one of the deadliest demonstrations in Chad’s history. The organisers are protesting against the extension of the duration of the transition, initially set for 18 months and extended at the end of the inclusive national dialogue, for a further 2 years.
Kebzabo concluded by affirming that “the government of the Republic of Chad will maintain order throughout the country and will not tolerate any drift from any quarter”.
