Feb 19 • 09:03 UTC 🌍 Africa RFI Afrique (FR)

Chad: a former member of the transitional military council accuses the president of forced enrollments to fight in Sudan

A former defense minister in Chad has accused President Mahamat Idriss Déby of forcibly enlisting members of his community to fight in Sudan.

In a serious accusation, Mahamat Nour Abdelkerim, a former member of Chad's transitional military council, has claimed that President Mahamat Idriss Déby is involved in the forced recruitment of youths from the Tama community to fight alongside Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (FSR). This allegation arises from tensions between Abdelkerim and Déby, following which the former left Chad. The Tama community, primarily residing in Sudan, has had its members participating both in the army and the FSR amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

The implications of such accusations are significant as they touch upon the sensitive issues of human rights and the potential misuse of military power in Chad. Abdelkerim’s statements suggest not only a breach of trust within the military ranks but may also ignite further ethnic tensions within Chad, particularly concerning the Tama community and their involvement in the Sudanese conflict. These developments could undermine the stability of Déby's government, which has been tenuous since taking over after the death of his father, Idriss Déby.

Moreover, the international community will likely scrutinize this situation more closely, especially regarding Chad's role in regional conflicts and the treatment of its citizens. If proven true, these allegations could lead to increased pressure on Déby’s administration both domestically and from abroad, as the accusations of human trafficking and forced enrollment in combat may prompt calls for investigation and accountability from human rights organizations and other nations.

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