Facing the Light

Listen to Today's Edition:

Chad’s military is responsible for the deaths of detainees who were arrested following the October 2022 anti-government demonstrations, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), which details the abuse and poor conditions protesters faced in one of the country’s most dangerous prisons, the Associated Press reported.

The 77-page report documented the detentions of hundreds of people who were arrested after the demonstrations amid unprecedented protests in the repressive Sahel country.

Thousands of Chadians took to the streets to demonstrate against then-interim leader Mahamat Déby Itno’s decision to extend his rule for two more years. Déby Itno seized power in 2021 shortly after the assassination of his father, Idriss Déby, who had ruled Chad for more than three decades.

The government launched a brutal crackdown that caused at least 60 deaths along with hundreds of protesters arrested and sent to Koro Toro prison.

HRW said the prison is located more than 370 miles from the capital N’Djamena and was initially designed for “violent extremists.” Its remote location and lack of cell phone reception make it difficult for detainees to communicate with families or lawyers.

According to the report, at least four individuals died during the transport to Koro Toro and six others died at the facility. One additional death occurred either en route or at the prison, but the actual toll is likely to be higher.

The organization also underscored the unlawful detention, mistreatment and denial of basic amenities that prisoners faced. Although under the military’s supervision, day-to-day administration was reportedly handled by prisoners linked to the Islamist group Boko Haram, who punished and beat other inmates.

HRW proposed a series of recommendations, including the closure of one of the main buildings in the detention facility because of its unfit conditions and the release of individuals held without charge.

Chadian officials have labeled the 2022 demonstrations as an insurrection, but claimed that there was there was “no evidence relating to the violation of human rights related to (the) transfer or detention in Koro Toro prison.”

Chad is part of an African region that has experienced numerous military coups in recent years.

The current president, Déby Itno, was elected in May in a vote that was long overdue and overshadowed by allegations of suppressing political opponents, which the authorities have denied.