Chad’s Shrinking Democracy: Restricting Political Participation in the Run-Up to the Referendum

Chad: Closing Political Space Ahead of Referendum – Arrests of Opposition Members Raise Concerns

Introduction

The recent arrests of supporters of Chad‘s main opposition party, Les Transformateurs, have raised concerns about the shrinking political space in the country leading up to an upcoming constitutional referendum. Human Rights Watch has stated that these arrests appear to be an attempt by the government to limit political dissent. The arrests follow a pattern of crackdowns on political opposition and protestors in Chad over the past few years. It is crucial for Chad‘s transitional government to ensure that opposition parties and their leaders can campaign freely to maintain the legitimacy of the referendum.

Background

Chad has experienced a tumultuous political climate in recent years, characterized by violence, suppression of protests, and restrictions on political participation. The death of former President Idriss Déby Itno in 2021 led to an unconstitutional transfer of power to the Transitional Military Council (CMT). Security forces used excessive force against protesters and cracked down on political opposition, resulting in multiple arrests and human rights abuses.

In 2022, protests erupted demanding civilian democratic rule, and security forces violently suppressed these demonstrations, leading to the deaths of 128 people and injuring 518 others. The National Human Rights Commission reported that security forces systematically violated several fundamental human rights during these protests. The commission called for the prosecution of those responsible for the abuses and emphasized the importance of protecting human rights during the transitional period.

The Current Situation

The recent arrests of Les Transformateurs supporters ahead of the anniversary of the October 20, 2022 protests raise concerns about the shrinking political space in Chad. The leader of Les Transformateurs, Succès Masra, plans to return to Chad on October 18, 2023, after leaving the country due to the violent suppression of protests in 2022. However, an arrest warrant has been issued for him, accusing him of various crimes related to an insurrectional uprising and incitement to hatred.

At least 72 party members and supporters have been detained since October 8, 2023. Those detained have not been charged with any crimes and have limited access to legal counsel and their families. Such restrictions violate basic due process standards. The government must ensure that detainees are either charged and presented before a prosecutor or released promptly.

The upcoming constitutional referendum is an important milestone for Chad‘s transition to democracy. However, for the referendum to be deemed legitimate, it is crucial for opposition parties and their leaders to have the freedom to meet and campaign. Any attempts to limit political dissent or suppress opposition voices undermine the credibility of the referendum and risk perpetuating the transitional government’s hold on power.

Philosophical Discussion

The situation in Chad raises deeper questions about the nature of democracy and the values that underpin it. Democracy is not just about holding elections; it necessitates the protection of fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of speech, assembly, and association. These freedoms are essential for a vibrant political culture that allows for the free exchange of ideas, robust debate, and open participation in political processes.

When a government restricts political space, arrests opposition members, and stifles dissent, it undermines the core principles of democracy. The actions taken by Chad‘s transitional government risk transforming the temporary transitional period into a permanent consolidation of power. The referendum, intended to pave the way for a new constitution, could become a tool for entrenching the ruling authorities’ control rather than a genuine expression of the will of the people.

Editorial: Safeguarding Democracy in Chad

The international community must pay close attention to the developments in Chad and exert pressure on the transitional government to respect human rights, protect political plurality, and ensure the legitimacy of the upcoming referendum. It is imperative for Chad‘s international partners, including regional organizations and African leaders, to take a firm stance against the shrinking political space and demand that opposition parties and their leaders are allowed to campaign freely.

The United Nations and regional bodies such as the African Union should deploy human rights monitors to Chad to document any human rights abuses, ensure the protection of detainees’ rights, and monitor the political environment leading up to the referendum. International human rights organizations should continue to shed light on the situation in Chad and hold the government accountable for any violations of human rights and democratic principles.

Advice: Preserving Democracy in Chad

To Chad‘s transitional government, we offer the following recommendations:

1. Respect Human Rights:

Chad‘s transitional government must respect and protect human rights, including the rights to freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Arbitrary arrests and detentions must cease immediately, and detainees should be promptly charged or released, following due process standards. The government should consider the recommendations made by the National Human Rights Commission and ensure accountability for human rights violations.

2. Allow Free Political Participation:

Opposition parties and their leaders must be allowed to campaign freely and hold political rallies without fear of harassment or intimidation. The government should create an enabling environment for peaceful political competition and ensure equal access to media and resources for all political actors.

3. Engage in Dialogue:

The transitional government should engage in dialogue with opposition parties and civil society organizations. Constructive dialogue can help bridge divides, address grievances, and build trust between different stakeholders. By involving opposition parties in the constitutional drafting process and decision-making, the government can signal its commitment to inclusivity and democracy.

4. International Engagement:

The international community, particularly regional organizations and African leaders, should closely monitor the developments in Chad and exert pressure on the transitional government to respect human rights and political plurality. International actors should provide support and resources to promote good governance, strengthen democratic institutions, and foster civil society engagement in Chad.

By adhering to these recommendations, Chad‘s transitional government can create a more inclusive and democratic political environment, paving the way for a legitimate constitutional referendum and ultimately the restoration of democracy in the country.

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