In Chad, the ministerial delegation traveling to Abéché ended its mission on Thursday, February 3, after eight days there. A mission that ends with the signing of a non-aggression commitment, which RFI was able to consult.
With our correspondent in Ndjamena, Aurélie Bazzara-Kibangula
” Put out the fire before it spreads “. It is in these terms that a security source qualifies this non-aggression agreement, signed by more than a hundred traditional chiefs.
In ten points, the commitment insists on the prohibition of the carrying of weapons. An essential measure for the authorities who indicate that civilians were seen with weapons during the demonstrations. Another point of the agreement aims to avoid any speech inciting hatred.
This agreement serves as the basis to restore calm in the province after the repression of demonstrations against the enthronement of the canton chief of Bani Halba in the east of the country. Violently suppressed, at least 21 people died, according to human rights organizations. The authorities speak of 14 dead.
One ” disproportionate use of force”
But many questions still remain unanswered such as the use of live ammunition to disperse the demonstrators. On this point, a government source admits that a ” disproportionate use of force was made “, while emphasizing that the ” situation was close to insurrection “.
Finally, the question of the governor’s responsibility is far from being resolved. The demonstrators demand his resignation. In a confidential note, the ministerial delegation asked for his recall to Ndjamena to calm the situation.
A judicial police investigation is also underway, according to government spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah. It should provide answers to all these questions in the coming days.