Chad's Press Freedom Under Scrutiny: Editor and Priest Arrested
Recent arrests of a news editor and a priest in Chad raise concerns about freedom of speech. The incidents occur amid political tensions following a disputed presidential election.
In a series of events that have raised concerns about press freedom in Chad, authorities have recently arrested two prominent figures known for their critical stances towards the government. These incidents have occurred against a backdrop of political tension in the landlocked north-central African nation.
On August 7, 2024, Badour Oumar Ali, the editor-in-chief of TchadInfos.com, a leading private news outlet, was apprehended by Chadian police. According to the Chad Online Media Association (AMET), Ali was summoned by judicial police and subsequently taken away by "armed and hooded men" in an unmarked vehicle to the national security agency.
This arrest came just a week after the reinstatement of TchadInfos.com, which had been suspended for several days in late July 2024. The website, known for its independent reporting, resumed operations on August 1, 2024, only to face this new challenge.
In a separate incident, a priest known for his anti-government sermons was arrested on August 5, 2024, in his parish. The cleric, who had close ties to the late opposition leader Yaya Dillo, was released the following day. Government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah stated that the priest's arrest was due to an investigation into "recurring remarks" that were allegedly "inciting division and endangering national cohesion".
These events have intensified concerns about freedom of expression under the leadership of President Mahamat Idriss Deby. Deby assumed power as interim leader in April 2021 following the death of his father and was declared the winner of a presidential election in May 2024. The election results were disputed by opposition leader Succes Masra, who referred to the priest's arrest as a "kidnapping".
The political landscape in Chad has been tumultuous, with the country facing numerous challenges. As one of the poorest nations globally, Chad grapples with a low literacy rate of approximately 22% and ranks low on the Human Development Index. Despite these difficulties, the country plays a significant role in regional security, with its military considered one of the most capable in the Sahel region.
"The priest's arrest followed an investigation over recurring remarks he had made inciting division and endangering national cohesion."
The recent arrests have added to the complex tapestry of Chad's political and social landscape. With over 200 ethnic groups and a young population with a median age of about 16 years, the country faces the challenge of maintaining unity while respecting diverse voices.
As Chad continues to navigate its path forward, balancing security concerns with press freedom and human rights remains a critical issue. The international community watches closely as these events unfold in this strategically important nation in the heart of Africa.
