Breaking News
Login
Pan African Visions

Chad: US Senator Calls For Probe Into October 20 Attack

December 21, 2022

By Samuel Ouma [caption id="attachment_103291" align="alignnone" width="823"] Senator Bob Menendez has been critical of developments in Chad[/caption] US Senator Bob Menendez, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called on Chad President Mahamat Idriss Déby to launch an investigation into the deadly October 20 attack that left scores dead. In a letter, Senator Menendez asked the Central African nation president to contact a credible independent international body with demonstrated capacity and a proven record to investigate the events of what Chadians are now referring to as "Bloody Thursday." Menendez said that according to reports, security forces under President Mahatma's control killed more than 100 people protesting the extension of his time in office and his unwillingness to recuse himself as a presidential candidate. Security forces also reportedly arrested up to 1,000 more protesters, still being held incommunicado. Additionally, the whereabouts of many of these civilians, including more than 20 opposition party members arrested at the headquarters of an opposition party on October 21, remains unknown. “The use of deadly force against civilians protesting the outcome of a national dialogue that was tightly controlled and not inclusive was a tragic turning point in Chadian history,” read the letter in part. [caption id="attachment_103292" align="alignnone" width="624"] Menendez says Chadian Leader General Mahamat Idriss Déby should either resign or expressly declare that he will not stand for elections. Photo credit Denis Sassou Gueipeur/GETTY IMAGES[/caption] “The response of your security as well as your recent proposal to ban political parties whose members participated in the protests is a troubling signal of a willingness to use fear. violence. and repression to crush dissenting views and raises serious doubts about your commitment to allow free and fair election,” stated the letter further. Senator Menendez said sound investigations are essential for holding accountable those responsible for the deaths and disappearances that culminated in the worst single day of bloodshed in Chad in decade. While recognizing President Mahatma's support for an investigation conducted by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Menendez proposed a partnership between ECCAS and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Or another institution with experience investigating and documental mass atrocities to enhance transparency. He further advised the head of state of Chad to make it known that he would not stand for reelection in two years and/or to resign so that another person could oversee the transition. He said President Mahatma recusing himself is not only in line with African Union principles prohibiting transitional leaders from participating as candidates in elections they organize but will also reduce tension in the country. “Taking such actions would not only assure the Chadian people that the transition is laying the groundwork for a truly competitive election without a predetermined outcome, it would also lessen tensions. and may prevent another outbreak of violence,” said Senator Menendez.    

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pan African Visions
Nigeria: Buhari Set To Borrow N819.5billion To Finance 2022 Supplementary Budget
December 21, 2022 Prev
Pan African Visions
Global C-pop Artist Tia Lee (Lee Yu Fen) Selects Teen’s Key as the First #EmpowerHer Beneficiary Organization  Following Resounding Success of “Goodbye Princess” MV  
December 21, 2022 Next