The UN rights chief deplored the use of lethal force against protesters in Chad
High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has criticized the lethal use of force against demonstrators, including execution by live ammunition, the Office said in a statement.
Thousands took to the streets in the capital, N’Djamena, and other cities on Wednesday, to protest the 24-month extension of the transition to civilian government.
‘fatal injury’
Some 50 people have been killed, including a journalist, and nearly 300 have been injured.
“Our office has also received reports of violence by protesters following the deadly attack, including attacks on property. We call for calm and for all parties to show restraint” said OHCHR Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani.
Reports indicate that at least 500 people were arrested. OHCHR has called for all persons detained for exercising their right to peaceful assembly to be released immediately.
The protests took place on the day the military would hand over the government.
National politics remind
Chad has faced a political crisis since the long-time president, Idriss Deby, died fighting rebels in the north in April 2021.
The military installed his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, who was supposed to step down on Thursday, but said he would rule for another two years.
Ms. Shamdasani said that the Chad Office of the OHCHR received information from sources that several hundred protesters, mostly young people, began demonstrating in N’Djamena early Wednesday.
Internal security forces used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the protesters.
Respect for humanity
OHCHR reminds the Chadian authorities of their obligation to protect and respect human rights, including the right to life, and to ensure that citizens can exercise their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of opinion and expression.
“Security and security forces must avoid the use of force against peaceful protesters and ensure that force is not used unless it is necessary and, if so, in full accordance with the principles of the law, caution , and size,” Ms. Shamdasani said.
OHCHR also urged authorities to conduct impartial, prompt and effective investigations into any human rights violations that may occur, “including the apparently unnecessary or arbitrary use of force to disperse dissent.”
Aerial view of N’djamena following heavy rains in August 2022.
A devastating flood
The crisis is unfolding as Chad faces flooding that has affected over a million people. The heavy rains started in July, and 18 out of 23 districts have been affected.
Many areas in the capital have been completely submerged, and people have been forced to flee their homes, UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said on Wednesday.
He added that some 465,000 hectares of agricultural land have been destroyed, which could further worsen the already difficult food security situation in the country.
The UN and partners have delivered food, medicine, tents, mosquito nets, solar lamps and other items to some 200,000 people.
“The humanitarian community and the combined flood response program of the Government is seeking almost $70 million to reach 800,000 people, but so far it has received only 25 percent of the funding needed,” said Mr. Dujarric.
Partners are stepping up efforts to mobilize resources to reach more people.
