Since April 2021, Chad has been in political transition following the death of President Idriss Déby Itno. Led by his son, General Mahamat Idriss Déby, this period was marked by promises of elections and a return to civilian rule. However, the road has been fraught with divisions and challenges, particularly for civil society organizations. 

General context and impact of the Ordinances on civil society 

In August 2023, the transitional government introduced new ordinances, Ordinances No 008, 010, and 011, which imposed severe restrictions on freedoms of assembly and expression, limiting the ability of CSOs to engage in advocacy and mobilization activities, thus eroding civic space in Chad. Ordinance No 008/PT/2023, establishing a state of emergency, restricts public movements and gatherings. Ordinance No. 010/PT/2023 establishes strict conditions for public meetings, and Ordinance No. 011/PT/2023 severely restricts public demonstrations. These repressive measures hinder democratic expression and civic participation, key elements of a successful transition to civilian rule, and have a profound impact on the activities of CSOs, limiting their ability to mobilize society, express themselves freely and engage in advocacy for change. 

These restrictions in Chad are part of a global trend of shrinking civic space, which significantly affects the effectiveness of CSOs in contributing to development and humanitarian efforts. The essential role of CSOs in providing crucial services, particularly in remote, rural and economically disadvantaged areas, is widely recognized. Their work often fills gaps left by government and the private sector in social services, disaster relief, capacity building and poverty alleviation. However, increasing legal constraints on the internationally protected rights of CSOs to assemble peacefully, associate freely and express themselves openly limit their ability to serve the communities that need and depend on them. This phenomenon has been observed in many countries around the world, reflecting some of the most intense repression of CSOs in recent times. 

Ngarassal Saham Jacques, Coordinator of CILONG - Centre d'Information et de Liaison des ONG au Tchad, believes that there are many difficulties facing civil society actors. "When it comes to human rights defenders and their situation in Chad, they are in an unprecedented state of insecurity. When we raise the issue of access to information, when citizens come together in organizations to demand certain things concerning development activities, we civil society leaders are stigmatized: we are accused of being close to the opposition or enemies of the nation, simply because we express our opinion on issues related to governance." To this, he adds: "The authorities know how to manipulate civil society. There's conscience-buying, elevation to positions of responsibility", as well as death threats against civil society players. "When you denounce an injustice, you are immediately threatened with death or kidnapping", he points out. 

 Call to action  

 Conclusion  

The situation in Chad is a stark reminder of the fragility of civil liberties. The international community, as well as local and regional players, must work together to ensure that Chad gets through this transition period with respect for the fundamental freedoms of its citizens. As a global civil society network, Forus is determined to support its member and civil society organizations in Chad, and to advocate for a society where civil society can flourish and contribute to the country's development and democratization. The future of Chadian democracy and the well-being of its people depend on a dynamic and committed civil society, free to function, express itself and assemble without undue restrictions.