Chad expels German ambassador

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Chad's transitional military government expelled Germany's ambassador to the country, according to an official statement on Friday.

"The German ambassador to Chad, Gordon Kriche, is ordered to leave Chad within 48 hours," Chad's Communication Ministry said.

Kricke was declared a "persona non grata" over his "discourteous attitude and non-respect of diplomatic customs" towards Chad, said the statement.

German officials were not available for comment.

A report by the Chad Information Agency media outlet said transitional authorities have voiced concern about Kricke's critical tone on the conduct of the transition in the West African nation.

He was reportedly one of the most critical voices of the October 2022 anti-government protests that saw dozens of people killed and hundreds injured after violent clashes with security forces.

In February, Chad's National Commission for Human Rights said 128 people were killed in the protests, more than double the figure announced earlier by the government.

Last month, Chad's transitional President Mahamat Idriss Deby pardoned more than 200 people about four months after they were convicted on multiple counts in connection with deadly protests.