Human Rights Watch reported on Tuesday that Chad’s military was responsible for the deaths of several detainees captured after protests in October 2022. The organization stated that at least four individuals passed away while being transported to Koro Toro prison, with an additional six dying at the facility; it was unknown where another individual had died. The group believes that the actual number of casualties is likely higher than reported.
During the protests in Chad against interim leader Mahamat Deby Itno’s extension of power, security forces used live ammunition and killed at least 60 protesters. This level of unrest was unprecedented for Chad, which had minimal public dissent during the rule of Deby Itno’s father, who governed for over three decades until his assassination in 2021. Following the demonstrations, hundreds of people were detained and transferred to Koro Toro, situated approximately 600 kilometers from the capital, N’djamena.
Human Rights Watch urged Chadian authorities, the African Union, and the United Nations to investigate the alleged unlawful detentions, mistreatment of detainees at the prison, and deaths in custody. Lewis Mudge, Human Rights Watch’s director for central Africa, demanded that the Chadian government address the issue of impunity for these violations.
Detainees were reportedly subjected to unlawful detention, ill-treatment, and a lack of basic necessities during their two- to three-day journey to Koro Toro. Some detainees perished en route, and a former detainee mentioned in the report claimed that the deceased individuals were discarded from the trucks.
The prison’s operations at Koro Toro are overseen by the military, with day-to-day management delegated to prisoners associated with the militant group Boko Haram, who allegedly mistreated other detainees. According to the report, hundreds of detainees were restrained with iron rods attached to their ankles for several weeks, and some experienced prolonged solitary confinement and forced labor, which constitutes torture.
Human Rights Watch recommended the closure of one of the main buildings at Koro Toro due to its unsafe conditions and advocated for the return of deceased individuals’ remains to their families for proper burial. Despite the government’s assertion that the 2022 protests were an insurrection and that the detentions at Koro Toro were not excessive, numerous reports contradict these claims.
Chadian activist Larry Ahmat Haroun, who was detained and released from Koro Toro, described the institution as one of the most perilous prisons in Chad, mentioning instances of untreated gunshot wounds and torture, as well as restricted communication and visits.
Chad is within a region in Africa that has experienced military coups in recent years. President Deby Itno, elected on May 6 after a contentious vote marred by accusations of political opponent elimination, remains in office.
