Chad: Civil service strike against salary cuts begins January 4

Event

Civil servants in Chad launched an ongoing general strike on Thursday, January 4, in protest of austerity measures recently declared by the Chadian government under which civil servants will face salary cuts beginning in January 2018. Individuals working in government ministries or other state institutions are expected to face progressive salary abatements based on income. Those in the bottom income bracket (below or equal to XAF 60,000 [USD 109] per month) are expected to see a salary cut of 5 percent, while those in the top income bracket (over XAF 1 million [USD 1830] per month) are expected to bear salary cuts of 45 percent.

L'Union des Syndicats du Tchad (UST) has vowed to stage protests if the Chadian government implements the salary cuts in the coming days. Associated protests and consequent transportation disruptions are possible in the coming days in N'Djamena and other Chadian cities.

Context

The newly announced austerity measures come as the Chadian government attempts to reduce its civil service payroll to meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) spending requirements and ensure the organization's continued support for the country's 2018 budget. In addition to salary and benefits cuts among civil servants, the Chadian government intends to reduce state spending on goods and services, among other initiatives.

In March 2017, a similar civil service strike in Chad was suspended following negotiations with the government and the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

Advice

Individuals in Chad are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution against potential violence, and adhere to advice issued by local authorities or their home governments.

On a separate note, due to the high terrorist threat, report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities and remain vigilant at all times, especially when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (e.g., public transportation, train stations, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.). For these and other security reasons, many Western governments advise against all travel to areas near the borders with Niger, Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, and Nigeria, and the Lake Chad region, as well as nonessential travel to the rest of the country, including N'Djamena. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to or within the country.