Chad: National journalist strike Feb. 21

Event

The Union of Chadian Journalists, in collaboration with other Chadian media outlets, is holding a nationwide “Day without Press” on Wednesday, February 21. All press publications will be suspended for the day. The strike is being held to denounce recurrent police violence targeting journalists.

Context

Police forces have regularly attacked journalists covering national events, such as demonstrations. On February 10, the Oxygène radio station was ransacked by police officers trying to track down demonstrators during a student protest.

Advice

Individuals in Chad are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution due to the risk of 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.). Due to the risk of terrorism and other security concerns, 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.