Chad’s military has proclaimed victory over the Front for Change and Concord (FACT) rebels following weeks of intense warfare in the north of the country. Chief of General Staff Abakar Abdelkérim Daoud said, “The triumphant return of the army to the barracks today heralds the end of operations and Chad's victory.”
Declaring declared, “The war came and we were able to control the situation (...). We cleaned up the place and there is nothing left now. The situation is back to normal,” adding, “Everything is over, the national territory is secure.”
As evidence of their victory, the army hauled 156 FACT prisoners in front of the press and showcased multiple vehicles its troops had seized.
Although there were public celebrations in capital city N’Djamena, there is nonetheless suspicion that the conflict is not yet over, given that the military has on various occasions claimed that the rebels have been defeated, only for the battle to continue. Moreover, FACT spokesperson Kingabe Ogouzeimi de Tapol didn’t acknowledge the government’s claims of victory, saying that the group will “comment when it has reliable and credible information.”
Following the now-former President Idriss Déby’s victory in the election on April 11, through which he secured a sixth term in office, a rebel incursion erupted in the north of the country. However, while visiting troops on the frontline of the military’s battle with the rebels, Déby, who was in power since 1990, was shot and died from his injuries.
Déby was then replaced by his 37-year-old son, General Mahamat Kaka, and the civilian government will now be replaced by a transitional military council for 18 months. Critics of the move have called it unconstitutional and led protests demanding an immediate return to civilian rule. Their demonstrations, however, were met with violence and earlier this month at least six people were killed and the Transitional Military Council (CMT) warned opposition leaders to “discipline their militants.”
The CMT has remained largely unperturbed by opposition to its rule and last week appointed 40 new ministers and deputies. Furthermore, over the weekend, the CMT banned a protest that was scheduled by a coalition of opposition parties and civilians. When protesters defied the ban, security forces responded with tear gas.
Chad’s Military Proclaims Victory Over Rebels, Parades Prisoners in Front of Press
There are suspicions that the conflict is not yet over, however, given that the military has claimed victory on various occasions already. Moreover, the rebels have refused to acknowledge defeat.
May 11, 2021
SOURCE: LIVIK