Chad: Indefinite nationwide strike launched Feb. 5 /update 4

Event

Chadian private sector workers - e.g. bank and mobile operator company employees - launched an indefinite nationwide general strike on Monday, February 5. The strike is in solidarity with Chadian civil servants, who have been on strike since January 29 to denounce recent austerity measures, including salary and benefits cuts.

Additionally, nationwide anti-austerity protests are expected to take place on Tuesday, February 6, and Thursday, February 8. Demonstrations are common in the capital and often turn violent.

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.

A higher education union also launched an indefinite strike on January 27, protesting a reduction in members' salaries under the newly implemented austerity measures. Universities, as well as secondary and primary schools, remain closed in Chad as of February 6.

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. ​