Protests Erupt in Chad Following Killing of Local Soldier by Foreign Medic
In Chad, demonstrators have taken to the streets and attempted to storm a French military base in response to the killing of a Chadian soldier by a foreign medic. The incident occurred in the northern town of Faya-Largeau on Tuesday and has sparked outrage among the local population.
According to reports from local media outlets, Chadian troops guarding the military facility fired shots at the crowd in an attempt to disperse them. The murder, which took place inside the French base, reportedly involved a Chadian serviceman who had sought medical treatment. During the procedure, the soldier allegedly grabbed a scalpel and attacked the French military doctor treating him. In response, the medic used his gun to “neutralize” the attacker, resulting in his death.
An unnamed senior official in the Bourkou-Ennedi-Tibesti region confirmed the incident and stated that a joint investigation by the Chadian and French militaries had been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing. The French doctor was reported to be in serious condition after sustaining three stab wounds.
The news of the soldier’s death and the subsequent protests have caused tensions to escalate in the city of Faya-Largeau. Chadian political analyst Evariste Ngarlem Tolde confirmed the heated protests, noting that live rounds were used by Chadian troops to disperse the angry crowd. However, there is no information available regarding possible casualties or injuries.
Members of Chad’s National Assembly, who arrived at the scene, voiced their demand for the withdrawal of the 1,000-strong French troops stationed in the country. They expressed bewilderment at how a Chadian soldier could be killed on Chadian territory by French military personnel. The situation in Faya-Largeau remains volatile, and there are concerns that the protests against the French military presence may spread to other regions of Chad.
This incident comes shortly after Niger called for the withdrawal of French troops from their country following the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in late July. Niger’s new prime minister, Ali Lamine Zeine, claimed that French forces were remaining in the country “illegally,” and negotiations were underway to facilitate a swift withdrawal.
The protests in Chad highlight the growing discontent among the local population towards the presence of foreign military forces in their countries. The deaths of Chadian and Nigerien soldiers at the hands of foreign medics have deepened these grievances, further pushing for the end of their military presence.
The Chadian and French authorities must prioritize a comprehensive investigation into the killing, as well as address the concerns and demands of the Chadian people. It is crucial to ensure that justice is served and that measures are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Dialogue and diplomatic efforts must be utilized to ease tensions and address the underlying causes of these protests, ultimately working towards a more peaceful and stable resolution.
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