The organizations signing this appeal had already issued, on August 12, 2024, a call for restraint in the face of the authoritarian drift characterized by the failure to uphold national laws and international commitments, the unprecedented shrinking of democratic and civic space, exclusion, discrimination, impunity, all forms of violence, and the manipulation of ethnic, clan-based, regional, and religious tensions that could plunge Chad into a damaging conflict.
Seeing the danger looming on the horizon, Appeal No. 1 sounded the alarm and urged the authorities and all political actors to exercise restraint in order to give peace and social cohesion a chance and to avoid more Chadian blood being shed.
The signatories of this new appeal reiterate their urgent call for respect of Human Rights and justice, in light of the numerous recent incidents of abductions, arbitrary arrests, assassinations, and extrajudicial executions.
As Chad sinks further into massive human rights violations and erosion of fundamental freedoms, and with the recurrence of intercommunal conflicts resembling state-sponsored terrorism, committed with war weapons in the hands of civilians who should not possess them, the Chadian government’s responsibility for the insecurity endured by the population is undeniable.
Indeed, from May 14 to 21, 2025, the nation once again witnessed alarming events that gravely violated human rights and democratic principles, endangering social cohesion, stability, and peace.
With deep shock and indignation, the signatories learned of the intercommunal conflict that broke out in the village of MANDAKAO, in Dodjé Department, Logone Occidental Province, which once again led to the loss of human lives, including women and children, as well as material destruction.
These recurring acts of violence underscore the urgent need for a national conflict-prevention policy and the fair management of resources.
In the face of this new tragedy, rather than taking responsibility to put an end to the barbarity, especially by addressing the root causes through legal and objective means, the government instead chooses to intimidate dissenting voices, manipulate even human lives, exploit institutions, enable corruption, and make impunity the norm.
Alongside the deliberately fueled intercommunal conflicts—which serve to justify the excessive militarization of Chad and massive spending on security—citizens are increasingly subjected to abductions, arrests, and arbitrary detentions.
The government is quick to deploy soldiers to certain cities and neighborhoods to carry out repressive missions, diverting them from their core constitutional role of protecting the population.
Adding to this is the persistence of impunity and the absence of a judicial system capable of delivering justice in accordance with the rule of law, thereby fostering a sense of injustice and frustration among the population.
While security authorities claim that disarmament operations are regularly conducted across the country, every time conflicts erupt, the assailants are seen using war-grade weapons to massacre civilians. This raises serious questions about the origin of these advanced weapons held by civilians.
Moreover, when perpetrators are identified and arrested, they are never tried or sentenced by Chadian courts, either because they belong to “untouchable” groups or act under orders from high-ranking military officials. This creates hatred and drives people to resort to self-defense, as victims see their attackers roaming freely without any consequences.
Meanwhile, the regime’s persecution of political party leaders, activists, and civil society actors intensifies with impunity, revealing the dictatorial nature of the government.
Over the past month, threats, abductions, and intimidation have reached alarming levels. Armed individuals, in unmarked vehicles, are abducting citizens in broad daylight, both in the capital and in the provinces, and taking them to unknown destinations. Among the many examples:
- Mr. Eric Ndoassal was abducted at the Radisson Hotel on April 23, 2025, by armed men who also seized his car, which has not been seen since;
- Mr. Noubadignim Ronelyambaye, head of the Demographics and Cartography Division at INSEED, was abducted on May 7, 2025, outside CEFOD, by individuals in five vehicles with tinted windows; he remains missing;
- Mr. Max Kemkoye, president of the Union of Democrats for Development and Progress (UDP), and Professor Avocksouma Djona, president of the Democrats Party, have been under death threats for several weeks.
Furthermore, one of the most shocking cases is the relentless persecution of Dr. MASRA SUCCÈS, president of the Les Transformateurs party, who was forcibly arrested and has been held in pre-trial detention since May 21, 2025, in complete disregard of legal standards.
All of these acts demonstrate the government’s clear intent to silence any dissent and permanently subjugate the Chadian people.
In light of these facts, the signatories of Appeal No. 2:
- Offer their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to the injured;
- Strongly condemn the barbaric acts committed during the Mandakao conflict;
- Denounce the archaic behavior of the local administrative authorities of Dodjé Department and Logone Occidental Province;
- Remind the Chadian government of its international commitments;
- Deplore the government’s tendency to intervene only after the damage is done, revealing not only a lack of seriousness in protecting human life, but also a grave failure to fulfill its primary duty to protect;
They demand that public authorities:
- Ensure full respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens, including political opponents;
- Launch an independent and impartial investigation into the events of Mandakao before taking legal action against individuals;
- Disarm, effectively and systematically, all individuals illegally in possession of war weapons and investigate the sources of these weapons;
- Sanction local authorities who stoke conflict for personal gain;
- End arbitrary arrests and intimidation against political and civil society actors;
- Strengthen justice mechanisms to ensure fair and transparent trials;
- Promote a truly inclusive national dialogue to build a just and equitable Chadian nation.
They urge the international community, regional organizations, and Chad’s development partners to support efforts aimed at restoring peace, justice, and democracy.
Together, let’s work for a Chad that respects Human Rights, and is Just and Prosperous.
Signatories:
| No | Name | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Me Jacqueline Moudéïna | Coalition Against Impunity (CCI) |
| 2 | Ms. Ildjima Lokiam Agnès | Chadian Association for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (ATPDH) |
| 3 | Me Delphine Kemneloum DJIRAIBE | Public Interest Law Center (PILC) |
| 4 | Ms. NARMADJI Céline | Association of Women for Development and Peace Culture in Chad (AFDCPT) |
Done in N’Djamena, May 27, 2025.
