Chad’s government-appointed parliament has approved a general amnesty, as of Thursday, bringing an end to the prosecution and guilty verdicts related to the deaths of hundreds of protesters during a 2022 anti-government rally, according to National Reconciliation Minister Abderaman Koulamallah.
The law, passed by the National Transitional Council with 92.4 percent of members in favor, extends its coverage to all Chadians, encompassing both civilians and soldiers.
The context for this amnesty stems from a significant anti-government demonstration that took place on October 20, 2022, where hundreds of protesters, predominantly youth, took to the streets in opposition to a move by military president Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno to retain power.
The events unfolded in the semi-desert country, leading to a tragic outcome.
During the protest in the capital city of N’Djamena, conflicting reports regarding the casualty count emerged.
The government reported approximately 50 deaths, while the opposition and independent observers contended that the number was much higher, estimating at least 300 individuals killed by police and military actions.
The newly approved amnesty law, with broad applicability to both civilians and soldiers, marks a significant development in the aftermath of the 2022 anti-government rally in Chad.