In recent years, violence between herders and farmers in Chad has sharply increased, resulting in significant loss of life and property. Between 2022 and 2024, Amnesty International documented seven violent incidents across the provinces of Moyen-Chari, Mandoul, Logone Oriental, and Logone Occidental, leaving at least 98 people dead, over 100 injured, and more than 600 homes destroyed. The violence is driven by competition over scarce land and water, climate degradation, and population growth, and is exacerbated by the proliferation of weapons and the absence of effective prevention or mediation mechanisms.
Communities affected by these attacks have often faced inadequate protection from authorities. In several cases, security forces arrived too late or failed to intervene, leaving residents vulnerable. Survivors recount harrowing experiences of losing homes, fields, and livelihoods, highlighting the deep human cost of these conflicts. Many families continue to live in despair, lacking access to justice or reparations, while some perpetrators move freely, perpetuating cycles of violence and retaliation.
The Chadian Constitution and international treaties ratified by Chad guarantee the right to life, security, and justice. However, failure to uphold these rights undermines public trust in the authorities and weakens the rule of law. Amnesty International emphasizes the urgent need for action to ensure protection for affected communities and to hold those responsible accountable.
Amnesty International urges citizens to support calls on Chadian authorities to act immediately by prosecuting perpetrators, conducting independent investigations, and providing compensation to victims. The goal is to ensure that living off the land does not come at the cost of life and to restore safety, security, and justice to vulnerable communities.
