The government of Chad's Logone Occidental province has requested clarification from Senator Sébastien Mbaigolmem regarding his allegations of a military official distributing arms to herders. In a public letter dated October 27, 2026, Delegate General Dago Yacoub asked the senator to provide evidence and identify the individuals involved. This move comes after Mbaigolmem's October 14 statement in Laoukassi, where he claimed certain administrative and military officials were also herders.
Mbaigolmem's comments were made during a mission to popularize a government circular aimed at preventing early departures of transhumants and securing the 2026-2027 transhumance campaign. The circular, issued by the Vice Prime Minister on September 28, 2026, addresses concerns over the movement of herders and the recovery of arms. The senator's allegations have raised concerns about the government's and local authorities' credibility.
According to Dago Yacoub, Mbaigolmem accused the government and provincial administration of mishandling the recovery of arms from herders and farmers. The senator reportedly chose not to disclose the name of the military official allegedly distributing arms but claimed that herders were allowed to keep their arms while farmers were forced to surrender theirs. These statements have sparked demands for clarification and evidence.
The Delegate General has requested that Mbaigolmem provide the identities of the administrative and military officials mentioned, the name of the military official involved in the alleged arms distribution, and details about the herders concerned. He also seeks information on the sources used to support the claim of differential treatment in arms recovery between farmers and herders.
Dago Yacoub emphasized that these details are crucial for the competent authorities to examine the facts and, if necessary, establish responsibilities. He urged the senator to transmit the requested information as soon as possible. The government's demand for clarification highlights the tensions between the administration and the senator over the handling of the herders and arms recovery.
The controversy comes at a critical time, as the government seeks to manage the movement of herders and recover arms in the region. The situation in Logone Occidental province has significant implications for the country's efforts to maintain security and stability. The government's response to Mbaigolmem's allegations will be closely watched by local and national stakeholders.
The outcome of this exchange between the government and the senator will likely have far-reaching consequences for the province and the country. It remains to be seen how Mbaigolmem will respond to the government's demands for clarification and what impact this will have on the relationships between the administration, the military, and local communities.
Key points
- The Chadian government has demanded clarification from Senator Sébastien Mbaigolmem over his allegations of a military official distributing arms to herders in Logone Occidental province.
