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Chad: Democracy in Peril - Deby's Constitutional Abuses at Root of Violence

Mr. Idriss Deby has been the President of Chad since 1990, overseeing a regime that is one of the most corrupt in the world, according to Transparency International. [1] Opposition to the President has increased since 2006, and currently Chad is experiencing its worst violence yet, as government troops have retaliated full-force to defeat a coalition of rebels who have entered the capital city. [2] In a plea to the international community, Mr. Deby has asked for aid to help protect his government.

The popular tide began to turn against Mr. Deby after his decision in 2005 to alter the constitution to remain in power, removing the two-term limit article in order to allow him to run for a third term in office. The current violence in Chad is due to citizens’ frustration with the corrupt government and an authoritarian leader that has no respect for the supreme law of Chad, the constitution. The people of Chad are looking to free themselves from the repressive political environment in which they live without hope of peaceful change. Chad’s current constitution notes that the justice system is subordinated to the executive branch through the Minister of Justice. The current corruption and human right abuses cannot be addressed as long as the autonomy of the justice system is not guaranteed by the constitution of Chad but instead by the prerogative of Mr. Deby.

The Chadian rebels involved in the fighting in N'Djaména over the weekend are from the Unified Military Command, an umbrella group that includes the Union of Forces for Democracy (UFDD), the Rally of Forces for Change (RFC) and UFDD-Fundamental. The UFDD is led by Mahamat Nouri, who, before serving in Idriss Déby's government, was the right-hand man of former Chadian president Hissène Habré, currently in Senegal facing charges of crimes against humanity. Other members of the UFDD also reportedly have ties to Mr. Hissène Habré.

The violence fomenting in Chad destroys infrastructure, peace of mind and livelihoods, prevents economic development, and puts thousands in need of humanitarian assistance [3]. Corruption within the government and tribal favoritism increase these afflictions. EUFOR should deploy its troops now [4] to stabilize the fragile border region between Chad and Sudan, and the African Union force should assist in calming regional violence and protecting civilians near the capital.

At the International Institute of Justice and Development, we understand that the old method of discussing these issues within the international community while avoiding to seriously address their underlying causes has not made our world any safer. We believe that more intensive effort must be made in Chad to establish strong institutions that guarantee free and fair elections and the rule of law rather than merely intervening to halt the military opposition and current violence. Although we agree that the lives of Chad’s citizens should be protected first and foremost, we are also aware that the fighting will not stop until a legitimate, democratic and accountable government that the people support, is in place. We know that when it comes to Africa, “dysfunctional systems of governance supported by poor leadership, authoritarian regime and inept economic and political institutions established after colonization are the root causes of Africa’s development crisis and persistent poverty” [5].

By merely protecting Chad’s government and Mr. Deby without addressing the root causes of the current crisis, the United Nations and France are ensuring that a corrupt and authoritarian leader that manipulates his country’s constitution will remain in power. The International Institute of Justice and Development believes that the UN as well as other state actors should use their influence to establish once and for all strong institutions that can sustain democratic electoral processes as well as rule of law that guarantee transparency and accountability in the management of Chad’s resources.

The government in Chad should commit to democracy governance, transparency and reinforcing the rule of law throughout this perilous situation. To appease the people of Chad, the IIJD calls for a reverse of the 2005 constitutional amendment that made Mr. Idriss Deby president for life. It’s then crucial and urgent that reform of government institutions be lunched to develop an independent judiciary that guarantees access to a free and fair justice system as well as establishing an independent electoral commission for free and fair elections. These reforms are the most important factors in advancing democracy, protecting human rights, and assuring sustainable development. Only through the reform of these systems can we guarantee long-term stability, protect peace, combat corruption, demand accountability, secure investments, and create an incentive for educated and capable citizens to stay and contribute to their countries' futures.

[1] Transparency International: “CPI 2007 table”

[2] New York Times: “Thousands flee fighting in Chad’s capital”

[3] AllAfrica.com: “Chad: Escalating Conflict Risks War Crimes - Amnesty International”

[4]  Time: “EU to deploy troops to Africa”