Chad has deployed troops in the capital, N’djamena, to quell protests and maintain peace after the death toll of post-election violence increased to twelve, with many others injured on Saturday.
Authorities say nine people were killed and scores injured in shootings in the capital on Thursday night after provisional results of the May 6 presidential elections were announced. Three injured victims died in hospital.
Opposition and civil society groups claim several protesters have been detained across the capital and in Mondou, the country’s second-largest city.
General Mahamat Idriss Deby was declared the winner of the polls with more than 61% of the votes, with his closest rival, Succes Masra, securing just under 20%.
Masra claims the election was a farce and has called for peaceful demonstrations. Deby insists he won and will do everything to strengthen the country’s internal security and guarantee peace.
In several messages shared on social media, including WhatsApp and Facebook, Masra calls on civilians to calmly mobilise and demonstrate peacefully for his stolen victory to be restored.
Chad’s Constitutional Council is scheduled to announce official results on May 21.
