Gun battles in Chadian capital: UN envoy expresses concerns

By Cecilia Ologunagba

New York, march 1, 2024

Abdou Abarry, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Central Africa has expressed concern over growing reports of violence and gun battles in N’Djamena, the Chadian capital.

Abarry in a statement on Thursday stated that he is following with great concern the events taking place.

He called on all actors to show calm and restraint, particularly at a time when Chad is entering the final stages of its political transition.

With presidential elections planned for May 6, Abarry reiterated that he and the entire UN system continues to be available to continue to support the efforts of the government and the people of Chad to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and credible electoral process.

Media reports on Thursday suggested that opposition leader Yaya Dillo had been killed in a shootout in N’Djamena.

He is a cousin of Chad’s military ruler Mahamat Idriss Déby Into, who replaced his father, Idriss Déby, in 2021 after the death of the older Deby, who spent three decades ruling the landlocked nation which borders North and Central Africa.

According to news reports, Dillo was blamed for a deadly attack on Chad’s main security agency, although he denied any involvement.

It was widely believed that he would be the main political opponent of the president in the upcoming vote, according to reports.