On September 20, 2026, Robert Gam, Secretary General of the Socialist Party Without Frontiers (PSF), published a Facebook post commemorating the two-year anniversary of his enforced disappearance by Chadian national security services. Gam recounted his experience of arbitrary detention, which lasted over eight months, and attributed it to an instruction from President Mahamat Idriss Déby. He claimed that during this period, he was denied his fundamental rights, never appeared before a judge, and was not informed of the legal grounds for his incarceration.
According to Gam, his detention was marked by a lack of transparency and due process. He expressed gratitude to the Chadian people, the family of Yaya Dillo Djérou, his party colleagues, the opposition, diaspora communities, human rights defenders, civil society organizations, media outlets, and diplomatic partners for their support. Gam's release, he said, was a result of "the will of the Almighty." His experience has had a profound impact on his perspective, and he now views his struggle as part of a broader effort to defend justice, public freedoms, and human dignity in Chad.
Gam's case highlights concerns about human rights abuses in Chad, particularly under the current administration. He urged international partners to take note of the "serious deviations" and repeated human rights violations under President Déby's regime. Gam emphasized that authoritarian regimes are transient, while the Chadian nation endures. He reaffirmed his commitment to creating a just and democratic Chad, underscoring the need for accountability and respect for human rights.
The incident occurred on September 21, 2024, when Gam was taken by agents of the National Agency for State Security (ANSE). His detention was widely seen as a worrying sign of the government's attitude towards dissent and opposition. Gam's experience has sparked concerns about the shrinking space for civil society and opposition voices in Chad.
In his Facebook post, Gam called on international partners to hold the Chadian government accountable for its human rights record. He emphasized that the struggle for justice and human rights in Chad is not limited to his individual case but is a broader fight for the rights and dignity of all Chadians. Gam's message resonated with many in Chad and beyond, who see his case as a symbol of the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out against the government.
The Chadian government has faced criticism from human rights groups and international organizations for its handling of opposition figures and dissenting voices. Gam's case is just one example of the many concerns about human rights abuses in the country. His determination to continue advocating for justice and human rights, despite his ordeal, has earned him recognition and admiration from many.
As Chad continues to navigate its complex political landscape, Gam's case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting human rights and promoting accountability. His message to international partners is clear: they must take a closer look at the human rights situation in Chad and hold the government accountable for its actions. The fate of democracy and human rights in Chad remains a pressing concern for many.
Key points
- Robert Gam was detained arbitrarily for over eight months by Chadian national security services.
- Gam attributes his detention to an instruction from President Mahamat Idriss Déby.
- He urges international partners to take note of human rights abuses in Chad and hold the government accountable.
