At least 60 killed amid anti-government protests in Chad, authorities say
PBS NewsHourNov 25, 2022
Chad: Dozens Killed as Protesters Demand Civilian Rule
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Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via The Guardian]
The Facts
On Thursday, around 50 people were killed and nearly 300 injured in Chad's capital city of N’Djamena, among other cities, after security forces cracked down on protesters calling for a return to elections.
The central African nation's political crisis began after Pres. Idriss Deby died in April 2021, with his son Mahamat Deby becoming transitional president. After originally promising an election within 18 months, on Oct. 1 Mahamat pushed the election date back another two years.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Despite the current turbulence, Mahamat Deby is more accepting of both domestic political opponents and foreign rivals than his father was. Though still a strongman, he is a necessary ally in the fight against Jihadism and a politically stable choice for dialogue between the regime and the opposition.
Establishment-critical narrative
Mahamat Deby is a violent authoritarian like his father, and the majority of people and rebel groups are aligned in opposition to him. He broke his promise to hold elections by now, which proves he will continue to attack, imprison, and suppress his way toward an indefinite rule. His rule is not good for the democratic future of Chad.
