Chad: Degraded security situation in northeast

Event

The security situation remains poor in northeast Chad as of Thursday, February 14. Military operations are ongoing in the area targeting rebel convoys belonging to the Union des forces de la résistance (UFR) rebel group. As such, French diplomatic authorities have advised to avoid traveling in the Ennedi and Wadi Fira regions as well as in the eastern part of the Borkou region, and advised not to participate in the 2019 edition of the Treg race scheduled to take place across the Ennedi plateau from 17 to 25 February.

Furthermore, during a visit in the Ouaddaï region on Wednesday, February 13, President Idriss Déby denounced the prevailing intercommunal tensions in the area between farmers and herdsmen, announcing that all weapons carried by civilians will be ceased and their owners judged.

Context

UFR rebels entered Chad from neighboring Libya, prompting the French Air Force to conduct airstrikes between February 3- 6, following a request from President Déby. An increased Chadian security presence has also been deployed in the area. According to Chadian security sources, at least 250 rebels were arrested and more than 40 vehicles were destroyed.

Deadly intercommunal clashes occur on a regular basis in the Ouaddaï region.

Advice

Individuals in Chad are advised to monitor the situation, refrain from unnecessary travel to the border regions neighboring Sudan and Libya, and remain vigilant for militant activity.