Chad: National transportation strike January 22-23

Event

Transportation workers nationwide are holding a two-day strike starting on Monday, January 22, to protest the recent increase in fuel prices. An increased demand for private-hire vehicles is likely. Furthermore, the Collective of Organizations for Civil Society plans to hold a related demonstration in the capital N’Djamena on January 25; the march is expected to start near the Oil Libya service station in the Djambel district and proceed towards the Chagoua district.

Context

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 are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid all protests 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.). 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.