Chad passes bill ending prosecution, guilty verdicts in connection with 2022 deadly protests

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – Chad's lawmakers Thursday passed a general amnesty legislation ending prosecution and guilty verdicts in connection with the 2022 deadly anti-government protests.

The National Transitional Council adopted the bill with 92.4% of members voting in favor.

The law is in line with the government's commitment to national reconciliation and applies to all Chadians, including civilians and soldiers, according to the government.

“With the new legislation, all those who had fled to exile for fear of prosecution in relation to the event of Oct. 20, 2022, can return without fear,” said Justice Minister Mahamat Ahmad Alhabo.

Hundreds of protesters, largely youth, took to the streets in Chad’s capital N'Djamena, and several other towns on Oct. 20, 2022, protesting against a move by transitional President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno to extend the transitional period.

About 50 people, according to official figures, were killed during the protests after being shot by police and military, while the opposition put the death toll at about 300.

More than 600 youths, including 83 minors, were arrested and convicted in mass trials condemned by Amnesty International as unfair. Many were later pardoned by Deby by decrees.

Deby took leadership of Chad in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who died on the frontline of a war against rebels after ruling for 30 years.

The younger Deby had pledged to hand over power to an elected government after 18 months – a deadline that was not met.

A referendum on a new constitution is scheduled for Dec. 17 that would determine a reverse to civilian rule.