Chad: State of emergency extended to Tibesti, Sila, and Ouaddaï regions September 10 /update 3

Event

Chad's parliament has extended a state of emergency currently in effect in the regions of Sila, Ouaddaï, and Tibesti regions for an additional four months on Tuesday, September 10. The state of emergency will therefore be in place until early January. The measures will include deploying additional security forces into the region to help maintain and restore public order following recent inter-communal violence incidents 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.

More 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. Conflict has been exacerbated by drought and population growth. Individual weapon ownership further complicates the ability to reduce the conflict.

Chad closed its land borders with Libya, the Central African Republic, and Sudan on August 21, until further notice, citing security concerns.

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.