The head of the African Union (AU), Moussa Faki Mahamat, has condemned violent clashes which have erupted in Chad between police and protesters in the capital city, as we reported earlier.
“I strongly condemn the repression of the demonstrations which led to the death of men at #Tchad,” the AU’s chair of the commission, Mr Mahamat said.
“I call on the parties to respect human lives and property and to favour peaceful ways to overcome the crisis,” he continued.
People are demonstrating against Chad’s transitional military government and calling for a return to civilian rule.
Police used gunfire and tear gas to disperse the protestors and some parts of N’Djamena have been cordoned off.
A journalist and a policeman have reportedly been killed during the protest, but there are no official casualty figures.
Meanwhile, France’s spokesperson condemned the use of lethal weapons against protesters and denied Paris’ involvement.
Je condamne fermement la repression des manifestations ayant entrainé mort d'hommes au #Tchad. J'appelle les parties au respect des vies humaines et des biens et à privilegier les voies pacifiques pour surmonter la crise.
— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) October 20, 2022
