N’DJAMENA: About 50 people were killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Chad on Thursday, Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo told a press conference.
Violence erupted after protesters blocked roads and set fire to the prime minister’s party headquarters as hundreds took to the streets demanding a faster transition to democracy after the President. Mahamat Idriss Deby took over last year.
A national unity government was formed on Friday to lead Chad for the next two years until elections. But critics are demanding a quicker return to democracy.
Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to break up gatherings across the city.
The government said security forces were acting only in self-defence.
“What happened today was an armed uprising by the masses to seize power by force and those responsible for this violence will face justice,” Kebzabo said.
“The protesters took up guns and they were seen as rioters.”
Kebzabo, a historic opponent of the Deby regime, was appointed prime minister last week.
Violence erupted after protesters blocked roads and set fire to the prime minister’s party headquarters as hundreds took to the streets demanding a faster transition to democracy after the President. Mahamat Idriss Deby took over last year.
A national unity government was formed on Friday to lead Chad for the next two years until elections. But critics are demanding a quicker return to democracy.
Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to break up gatherings across the city.
The government said security forces were acting only in self-defence.
“What happened today was an armed uprising by the masses to seize power by force and those responsible for this violence will face justice,” Kebzabo said.
“The protesters took up guns and they were seen as rioters.”
Kebzabo, a historic opponent of the Deby regime, was appointed prime minister last week.
