Chad's President Mahamat Idriss Deby has ordered the immediate disarmament of civilians in the western Ennedi region. The move comes after a dispute over water and pastures that threatened to escalate into open conflict. Deby made the announcement during a visit to the town of Tourbol, the first stop on a security tour of several states in the country.
The president suspended General Hamouda Mohamed Bashir, commander of Defense Zone 8, and relieved three administrative officials of their duties in the western Ennedi state. The officials include the governors of Tourbol and Mourtcha, and the deputy governor of Am Jirim. Deby accused them of failing to enforce disarmament orders and criticized some administrative authorities for their handling of the tensions.
Deby appointed General Taher Erda Tahiro, director general of the state security agency, to lead the disarmament process. He emphasized that the state must be obeyed and that personal interests must not take precedence. The president also ordered the construction of water facilities for livestock within three months and the deployment of a nomadic guard to ensure fair access to resources.
The region has experienced conflicts between herders and farmers, resulting in dozens of deaths in the states of Hadjer-Lamis and Wadi Fira. Deby's tour coincides with a military operation against the "Self-Defense Committee in Miski" in the far north. The president did not announce the next stops on his security tour.
The water and pasture disputes in western Ennedi have been a longstanding issue. The region's resources are crucial for the livelihoods of local communities. Deby's government aims to address the root causes of the conflicts and establish a more equitable distribution of resources.
The disarmament process is expected to be challenging, given the presence of armed groups in the region. Deby's administration has faced criticism for its handling of security issues in the past. The success of the disarmament process will depend on the government's ability to engage with local communities and address their concerns.
The international community has been monitoring the situation in Chad, where security and stability are crucial for the region. The country's stability is essential for maintaining peace in the Sahel region, which has been affected by various conflicts and terrorist activities.
Key points
- President Mahamat Idriss Deby orders immediate disarmament of civilians in western Ennedi region.
- The move aims to address disputes over water and pastures that threatened to escalate into open conflict.
- The disarmament process will be led by General Taher Erda Tahiro, director general of the state security agency.
