21 Mar 2024 | 11:11 AM UTC
Chad: Communal violence in Djourf Al Ammar Department; government forces deployed as of March 21
As of March 21, recent communal violence in Djourf Al Ammar Department, eastern Chad, has left at least 42 people dead.
As of March 21, officials have deployed a government delegation and additional military forces to Tileguey in the Djourf Al Ammar Department following communal violence. The cause of the violence, which left at least 42 people dead, is unclear. Officials have reportedly arrested 175 people in connection with the violence. The exact start date of the clashes is unclear.
Officials could enact movement-restrictive measures in the impacted area and its immediate surroundings. Measures could include curfews or road closures. Officials could also disrupt telecommunications in the area. Additional violence is possible over the coming weeks.
Consider avoiding nonessential travel to areas recently affected by intercommunal violence. Coordinate travel with a trusted local contact if operating in the impacted area. Avoid traveling at night. Heed the directives of local officials.
Communal violence over land use and water rights between agricultural-based communities and nomadic pastoral herders is a frequent issue in rural Chad. Southern and central regions of the country have experienced recurrent incidents of related violence, resulting in numerous fatalities. Intercommunal conflict is often worsened by climate change-induced adverse weather conditions, such as drought and flooding, which can result in irregular crop harvests.
