Rebels demand the release of imprisoned opponents
The rebel groups’ request concerns opposition members imprisoned on Saturday May 14 following a demonstration against France, accused of supporting the ruling junta.
On May 14, a protest march organized in N’Djamena against France, accused of supporting the military junta in Chad,
AFP
The main Chadian rebel groups on Saturday demanded from the ruling junta “the immediate and unconditional release” of opposition members imprisoned after a violent demonstration against France on May 14.
This request comes as these groups have been discussing laboriously since March 13 in Doha (Qatar) with the Chadian authorities with a view to peace negotiations supposed to lead to a new constitution and “free and democratic” elections. On May 14, a protest march organized in N’Djamena against France, accused of supporting the military junta in Chad, and authorized by the authorities, was marred by incidents. Seven gas stations of the French oil group Total had been vandalized and 12 police officers injured, according to the police.
Two days later, five leaders of Wakit Tamma, the main opposition coalition, were charged with “gathering that caused public disorder, bodily harm, arson and destruction of property and imprisoned in the Klessoum remand center. Wakit Tamma’s coordinator, Max Loalngar, was charged on Thursday, again for the same reasons.
The trial of the five defendants is due to start on June 6.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of those arbitrarily detained for their participation in the demonstrations,” the rebel groups said in their statement, condemning “the excessive use of force” and calling on their supporters to “show restraint” and “avoid any uncivil act”. The government orders that caused these arrests “do not favor a serene climate for the continuation of peace negotiations”, they stressed.
On the death of former President Idriss Déby, killed at the front against rebels more than a year ago, his son General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno took over the reins of the country at the head of a group of 15 generals , immediately dubbed by the international community, Paris in the lead. Mahamat Idriss Déby then dissolved Parliament, while promising “free and democratic elections” within 18 months after a national dialogue between the junta, armed groups and the opposition.
Since then, this forum, which must bring together all the political and armed opposition groups according to the Head of State, has not been able to start, the armed groups having so far been unable to come to an agreement with the junta within the framework of the “pre -dialogue” of Doha.
Published today at 00:28
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