In brief
Chad’s government confirmed 25 deaths and 22 injuries in intercommunal clashes in the border area between Hadjer‑Lamis and Barh el Gazel. A delegation led by Minister of Public Security and Immigration Ali Ahmat Aghabach has been dispatched to investigate, while authorities have arrested dozens of participants.
At least 25 people were killed and 22 injured in intercommunal clashes on a Saturday in a border area between Chad’s western provinces of Hadjer‑Lamis and Barh el Gazel, the government said late November 1, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization on social media.
The Ministry said the violence was sparked between two “sister communities,” a common trigger in the region when disputes over resources such as water and land flare up.
Government Response
In response, the government dispatched a security delegation led by Minister of Public Security and Immigration Ali Ahmat Aghabach to the affected area to conduct an investigation, hold judicial proceedings and promote dialogue between the parties.
Official statements also report that 39 people were arrested in connection with the violence and transferred to the capital, N’Djamena, for further judicial proceedings. Xinhua’s accompanying report indicated that 49 people had been arrested, highlighting a discrepancy between figures.
Both the ministry and Xinhua emphasised that investigations would establish responsibility and ensure that judicial proceedings would proceed, with authorities pledging to restore peace and prevent further escalation. The clashes are part of a pattern of intercommunal violence that has affected other areas of Chad’s western territories over the past decades.
