Chad’s military-led government has announced a clemency to security forces responsible for killing about 50 opposition protestors.
In 2022 people stormed the streets to challenge the interim President, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno from extending his rule.
The authorities however, reacted with a savage crackdown which officials have said left 50 people dead on what has been tagged “Black Thursday”.
Human rights groups have reported the casualties from the incident as exceeding 300 people.
More than 600 people were arrested, including 83 minors and they’ve been sentenced in mass trials.
The clemency is part of a deal signed with opposition leader, Succès Masra to encourage national resolution.
However, certain members of the opposition party have condemned this move, describing it as an attempt to escape justice.
According to reports by Amnesty International, over 943 people were arrested and 265 others convicted.
All convicted persons had been found guilty of unauthorised assembly, property damage and arson.
In April 2023, 259 persons were forgiven and released by the president.
President Deby was announced the leader of the Central African country shortly after the death of his father, in 2021, who ruled Chad with a severe hand for 30 years.
He had however, vowed to return power to civilians through elections at the end of an 18-month transition period.
But at the termination of the transitional period, he prolonged it by two years, leading to protests from the citizens.
There have been revived promises that the government will reveal a set date for free elections in December and finally transition to civilian rule but this report is yet to be confirmed.
