Africa-Press. The Chadian government has responded to accusations that its security services have engaged in repression, following criticism raised during international sessions held in Geneva.
The response, issued on March 12, came after several human rights organizations expressed concerns about what they described as increasing pressure on the country’s political opposition.
Civil society organizations had earlier condemned, during meetings held in early March in Geneva, what they described as growing repressive practices by Chad’s National State Security Agency, an intelligence service that reports directly to the presidency.
Among the organizations raising these allegations were the Chadian League for Human Rights and the World Organisation Against Torture, which pointed to increasing pressure on political opponents and activists.
In response, Chad’s Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals responsible for human rights, Youssouf Tom, acknowledged that some abuses may occur from time to time but stressed that the country’s judicial system intervenes to address such cases when they are proven.
He explained that cases falling within the jurisdiction of the courts are referred to the judiciary for investigation, emphasizing that no country is without intelligence services, but the challenge lies in managing their operations properly.
The minister added that such allegations should be addressed objectively, calling on all parties — civil society organizations, journalists, and officials — to adhere to facts when discussing these issues.
The controversy comes amid criticism raised on March 5 and 6 before the United Nations Human Rights Council, during discussions of Chad’s third periodic report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
During the sessions, human rights organizations presented a series of allegations concerning a crackdown targeting political opposition in the country, which they linked particularly to actions by national security services.
According to these organizations, nearly 200 cases of enforced disappearance and 600 arrests were recorded during what is known as “Black Thursday” in Chad in 2022, the name given to the crackdown that accompanied protests that erupted on October 20, 2022, and the days that followed. Reports indicate that about 80 minors were among those arrested.
NGOs also stated that some detainees were subjected to torture and ill-treatment, in addition to being held in conditions described as inhumane. They also pointed to what they described as increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and a tightening of civil liberties in Chad in recent years.
