By Djinodji SOLMENGAR Rodrigue
Wadi-Fira intercommunal violence has been linked by President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno to the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the illegal circulation of weapons across Chad’s eastern border.
During his five-day visit to Igot in Wadi-Fira province, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno addressed the presidential press following recent violent clashes in the area.
Mahamat Deby blames Sudan conflict and arms trafficking for Wadi-Fira unrest
The Head of State said the unrest in eastern Chad is being fueled by spillover from neighboring Sudan’s war and the influx of weapons across the porous border.
“What happened in Igot is linked to the Sudanese conflict and the circulation of weapons. We cannot accept that Sudanese people import chaos into our country,” President Déby stated.
He warned that the vast Chad-Sudan border remains difficult to monitor, allowing traffickers and armed individuals to move weapons into the country.
“Our border is very vast and difficult to control. So individuals take advantage of this to bring weapons into Chad. As long as civilians hold weapons, we will not have peace. We must change this kind of behavior,” he insisted.
The President also alleged that some Chadians living abroad are being manipulated by foreign actors to sow division and fuel unrest.
“Many of our compatriots abroad are being manipulated by foreign actors, for a few dollars, to create division among us,” he said.
President Déby further issued a warning to traditional leaders, calling on them to uphold peace and social cohesion.
“Traditional leaders across the country must assume their responsibilities, otherwise they will have to step down,” he declared.
The presidential visit comes as authorities seek to restore calm following the latest Wadi-Fira intercommunal violence and prevent further instability in Chad’s eastern provinces.
