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Sub Saharan Africa

Chad

Flag of Chad

Last reviewed: 18 December 2007

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POLITICS

Political negotiations over constitutional arrangements were cut short in 1989 when one of Habre's former security chiefs Idriss Deby launched a rebellion from the Darfur region of Sudan. He overthrew Habre in November 1990. A national conference was eventually convened in January 1993, but a new constitution was not approved until 1996. It was followed in the same year by presidential and multi-party legislative elections. Deby was confirmed as President, amid opposition claims of fraud.

In 1994, the International Court of Justice ruled in favour of Chad in the dispute with Libya over the Aouzou strip. Libyan withdrawal began shortly after. In June 1997 however a new rebellion emerged in the North - the Movement for Justice and Democracy in Chad (MDJT), led by former Defence Minister Youssof Togomini. Despite at times deploying thousands of troops, the Chadian Government has been unable to defeat it, although there have been periodic peace agreements. In September 2002 Togomini was killed, but the MDJT continues to control large parts of the north of the country.

Further presidential and legislative elections took place in 2001 and 2002 respectively (both for 5-year terms). Amid many claims of fraud, Deby was re-elected and his party (the MPS) and its allies strengthened their position in parliament. In June 2005 an amendment was successfully passed by referendum to repeal the constitutional provision limiting the presidential mandate to 2 terms. Idriss Deby sucessfully stood for a third term as president in elections on 3 May 2006. The elections were boycotted by the main opposition parties. This election occurred in the midst of continued instability and violence in the east and south-east of the country, which is linked to instability in neighbouring Darfur (Sudan). In April 2006 rebels reached the capital N’Djamena, but were replused by loyalist forces. Instability has continued in the east of the country in 2007, including a significant conflagration in late November. An EU force of around 4,000 troops has now been agreed on by all parties and deployment is scheduled for early 2008. It will protect humanitarian workers, including those in the proposed UN mission, which should also deploy in early 2008.

BBC News: Africa

HUMAN RIGHTS

Chad has a poor human rights record, although the situation has improved since the end of Hissein Habre's regime. In November 2004, a de-facto moratorium on judicial executions was ended. Four individuals were executed for murder, despite the fact the appeal procedure had not been completed. The use of judicial measures against the press is another area of concern. For example, 2 journalists were given prison sentences in July 2005, one for criticising the recent constitutional modification. Harassment of the media continues, according to reports from human rights groups. There have also been reports of human rights abuse on all sides in the conflict in the east, including the recruitment of child soldiers.

Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

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