Chad: High sociopolitical tensions amid general strike /update 12

Event

An indefinite strike launched by public sector unions in Chad on Monday, May 28, has been widely followed. All schools, universities, ministries, and hospitals have been closed, particularly in the capital N'Djamena. Union leaders called for the strike after rejecting a government proposal to hold off the action until December 2018. The unions said that they will remain on strike until an agreement reached in March 2018 is implemented.

Furthermore, judges launched a three-day strike on May 28 to denounce insecurity in the country following the shooting of a lawyer in Doba (south), attacked while transporting clients on May 22.

Associated demonstrations are possible in the coming days and weeks, particularly in N'Djamena. The US Embassy ‎in Chad has recommended that its nationals be particularly vigilant when traveling around the city; US government personnel are advised to avoid the area around the Felix Eboue School between 06:00 and noon (local time) until further notice as well as other locations where crowds gather. Schools are especially likely to be the site of protests, as student protests denouncing school closures are possible.

Context

In January 2018, the Chadian government announced new austerity measures in an effort 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. Chadian civil servants launched a nationwide general strike on January 29 to denounce the austerity measures, including salary and benefits cuts. The strike ended on March 20, after unions and the government reached a deal to secure the payment of unpaid wages.

Advice

Individuals in Chad are advised to 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. Be prepared for potential disruptions to public services due to the ongoing civil servant strike.

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.