Reporters Without Borders Raises Concerns Over Media Restrictions Ahead of Chad Elections

With presidential elections in Chad just days away, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has expressed concern about the suspension of the "Le Libérateur" newspaper and obstacles hindering media coverage of the campaigns. The election, set for May 6, 2024, will mark the end of a three-year transition period led by Mahamat Idriss Déby following the sudden death of his father, former president Idriss Déby Itno, in 2021.

The election campaigns officially began on April 14, with transitional president Mahamat Déby and prime minister Succès Masra leading large rallies in the capital N'Djamena. However, RSF has raised alarms about the suspension of Le Libérateur, a move that could limit critical reporting and analysis in the lead-up to the crucial vote.

Critics argue that the transition period has been used by Mahamat Déby to consolidate power through tactics such as violent oppression and intimidation of the opposition, the composition of electoral institutions with loyalists, and the approval of presidential candidates. Only 10 out of 20 candidates were approved by the constitutional council appointed by Mahamat Déby, who is also a candidate himself.

The approved candidates are mostly from the southern region, while Mahamat Déby and one other candidate are from the northern region, which is expected to give him an advantage. Some opposition groups and civil society organizations are calling for a boycott of the elections, challenging their legitimacy. However, all candidates have expressed confidence in victory, with campaign promises that do not differ greatly from one another.

Why this matters: The upcoming presidential elections in Chad are significant as the country transitions from military rule to a more inclusive and democratic system. The elected leadership will need to address a complex political landscape, with internal and regional tensions influencing the stability of Chadian politics.

RSF, which monitors respect for press freedom worldwide and takes action to assist journalists in danger, has called on the Chadian authorities to ensure that media outlets can freely cover the elections without fear of reprisal. The organization works with governments and institutions to find concrete solutions and launch international initiatives to defend the right to information and promote free and independent journalism.

Despite some setbacks, Chad has seen a timid but continual transitional process in the last three years, with the return of Succès Masra, a prominent opposition figure, as Prime Minister. The leadership elected in May will have to find ways to reduce internal tensions and avoid further escalation of conflicts along ethnic and tribal lines, as an unstable Chad could have catastrophic consequences for the Sahel region and the neighboring Central African Republic.

Key Takeaways

• Chad to hold presidential elections on May 6, 2024, after 3-year transition.
• Concerns raised over suspension of newspaper and obstacles to media coverage.
• Transition period used by Mahamat Déby to consolidate power, limit opposition.
• Approved candidates mostly from south, giving Déby advantage; some call for boycott.
• Elected leadership must address internal tensions and regional stability in Sahel.