Chad’s Military Linked to Deaths of 2022 Protest Detainees

Chad’s military faces accusations over the deaths of detainees from the 2022 protests, highlighting serious human rights issues.

On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch reported that a number of protesters detained in October 2022 lost their lives due to the actions of Chad’s military.

The group reported that four individuals perished on the way to Koro Toro prison, and six more passed away upon arriving there. The location of another man’s death remains uncertain. However, the actual number of casualties is believed to be significantly greater than what was documented.

During protests against the two-year extension of power granted to interim leader Mahamat Deby Itno, security forces in a central African nation used live ammunition that resulted in the deaths of at least 60 people. The situation was unusual for Chad, as there had been little public disobedience during the three-decade-long reign of Deby Itno’s father until his assassination occurred in 2021.

Around 370 miles (600 kilometers) away from N’djamena, the capital city, many individuals were apprehended and transported to Koro Toro.

To probe into what it termed illegal incarcerations, cruel behavior at the penitentiary, and fatalities while in confinement, Human Rights Watch urged Chadian officials as well as African Union and United Nations entities.

Lewis Mudge, the Director for Central Africa at Human Rights Watch stated that the Chadian government needs to take prompt and firm action in addressing impunity relating to these abuses.

The report indicated that detainees were illegally detained, subjected to mistreatment, and deprived of fundamental necessities during the two- or three-day transfer to the penitentiary. Tragically, a few individuals passed away en route.

In the report, an anonymous former detainee stated that the deceased individuals’ corpses were discarded from the trucks.

The military oversees the operations of Koro Toro prison, but reportedly handed over its day-to-day administration to prisoners with connections to Boko Haram. These inmates went on to physically abuse and penalize their fellow detainees.

According to the report, numerous individuals were bound with iron rods secured around their ankles for periods lasting several weeks or longer. Additionally, some prisoners suffered through extended bouts of solitary confinement—a recognized form of torture—and had no choice but to engage in forced labor.

Mudge stated that there are rampant incidences of abuse in a prison being supervised by Chadian military officials.

One of the primary buildings at Koro Toro was deemed unsuitable for use and Human Rights Watch demanded its closure. Additionally, they advocated for the repatriation of deceased individuals’ remains to their respective families for interment.

The Chadian government asserts that the demonstrations of 2022 constituted an insurrection, and thus incarceration in Koro Toro was deemed necessary given the gravity of the situation.

The justice minister of Chad stated in a letter addressed to the Human Rights Watch in July 2023 that there was no indication concerning any infringement upon human rights pertinent to the transfer or confinement occurring at Koro-Toro prison.

According to Larry Ahmat Haroun, a Chadian activist who was imprisoned following the elections but later released in June, Koro Toro is among Chad’s most perilous correctional facilities. The Associated Press reported his statement on this matter.

According to him, prisoners who sustained bullet wounds have been neglected and left untreated while some people experience torture. He further stated that there is no provision for phone usage or visitations in the facility.

Chad is a country located in an African region that has experienced political upheavals due to military coups. The recently-elected president, Deby Itno, won the delayed election held on May 6 amidst claims of eliminating opposition members; however, these allegations were denied by authorities.