“Black Thursday”, which shook Chad a year ago, still remains a tragic event in the country’s history today. This day of bloody repression left deep scars on the population and continues to divide opinions.
During that day, demonstrations against the extension of the transition were harshly repressed by the police. According to reports from human rights organizations, the death toll varies between 128 and 218 people dead. The government, for its part, minimizes these figures and speaks of 73 victims.
Despite calls for a time of contemplation and the absence of demonstrations to commemorate this event, the demand for an independent investigation persists. Human rights defenders are calling for perpetrators of the violence to be brought to justice and for victims to receive reparations.
The National Human Rights Commission and the Chadian Human Rights League have both called for an independent international investigation to shed light on the events of “Black Thursday”. Unfortunately, so far no concrete steps have been taken in this direction.
The government has raised the possibility of legal action, but no action has been taken so far. Human rights defenders also deplore the mass arrests and prolonged detentions of political activists, highlighting the persistence of political repression in the country.
It is essential that the truth be established and that justice be served for the victims of “Black Thursday”. An independent investigation would shed light on this event and prevent such violence from happening again in the future.
In conclusion, one year after “Black Thursday” in Chad, the need for an independent investigation remains essential to establish the truth, bring those responsible to justice and guarantee reparations for the victims. The continued political repression highlights the country’s persistent human rights challenges. It is essential that the international community continues to support demands for justice and truth in Chad.