Chad: Increased security measures in N’Djamena Jan. 25 /update 2

Event

The Collective of Organizations for Civil Society is planning to hold a march in the capital N’Djamena on Thursday, January 25; however, the march has not been authorized by the local authorities. Authorities have reportedly deployed additional security forces in the city to prevent any protests from taking place. Internet and mobile services have also been cut. According to media reports, as of Thursday morning (local time) no significant protests had taken place. Other demonstrations are possible in the coming days.

Context

Transportation and oil workers staged a strike on January 22 to protest planned increase in fuel prices. Security forces dispersed a group of students demonstrating in the capital in support of the transportation workers. According to local sources, security forces injured several demonstrators and arrested 143 more after protesters erected barricades, set vehicles on fire, and threw stones at security officers.

Chad is struggling with challenging socioeconomic conditions that lead to large protests on a regular basis, as well as other risks associated with insecurity and unrest. The country has recently seen a hike in fuel prices as part of ongoing austerity measures implemented to meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) spending requirements.

Advice

Individuals in Chad, particularly in N’Djamena, are advised to avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and adhere to any 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.