Chad: State of emergency extended into Tibesti region August 20 /update 1

Event

Chad’s Council of Ministers confirmed on Tuesday, August 20, that a state of emergency is in effect for the regions of Ouaddaï, Sila, and Tibesti. The state of emergency will initially be in place until Tuesday, September 10. Officials did not immediately announce if the new measures will include deploying additional security forces into the region. According to the government, the state of emergency will help maintain and restore public order following recent inter-communal violence, and increase control over the country’s borders to prevent weapon and human trafficking. Heightened security measures and an increased security presence are anticipated in the abovementioned regions during the state of emergency.

Further violence is possible in the affected areas in the near term.

Context

President Idriss Deby initially announced the state of emergency on August 18 after ongoing inter-communal violence left at least 109 people dead in recent weeks. Cattle herders of the Zaghawa ethnic group and farmers from the Ouaddian community have had infighting throughout the month of August and conflict has been exacerbated by drought and population growth. Weapon ownership further complicates the ability to reduce the conflict.

Advice

Individuals in Chad are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and anticipate heightened security measures.