Title: One year after the “Black Thursday” violence in Chad: Assessment, investigation and reconciliation
Introduction :
One year ago, on October 20, 2022, Chad was the scene of tragic events known as “Black Thursday”. Demonstrations against the extension of the transition were violently repressed, causing dozens of deaths and numerous arrests. Today, a year after these events, the country is still marked by this tragedy. Human rights defenders continue to demand an independent investigation, legal proceedings and reparations for the victims.
The controversial assessment:
Since “Black Thursday”, official reports and those of human rights organizations have diverged. The Chadian government speaks of 73 victims, including members of the police, while organizations estimate that the number of deaths is at least 128, or even 218 according to some reports. This discrepancy highlights the need for an independent investigation to establish the truth and bring justice to the victims.
The request for an independent investigation:
A year after the violence, human rights defenders continue to call for an independent investigation to shed light on what happened that day and identify those responsible for the violence. The National Human Rights Commission and the Chadian League for Human Rights have both called for this investigation, but so far no concrete action has been taken. This persistent impunity fuels the feeling of injustice and frustration among the Chadian population.
The difficulties of reconciliation:
Reconciliation between the different parties involved in the “Black Thursday” violence is a major challenge for Chad. The reconciliation process requires not only truth and justice, but also open and inclusive dialogue between all stakeholders. However, concrete measures in this direction are still lacking, and the recent arrests of political activists demonstrate persistent repression.
Conclusion :
One year after the “Black Thursday” violence in Chad, demands for an independent investigation, legal proceedings and reparations for victims remain relevant. The search for truth and justice is essential to break the impasse and promote reconciliation in the country. It is time for the Chadian authorities to take concrete measures to shed light on these tragic events and provide justice for the victims. The international community must also support these efforts and maintain pressure on the Chadian government to ensure those responsible are held to account.