Chad’s transitional authorities on Tuesday released the first 22 from 296 members of armed groups and political dissidents. Authorities promised to free them from prison under an amnesty aimed at fostering dialogue after the battlefield death of President Idriss Deby last April.
The amnesty was a pre-condition set by opposition groups for joining a forum on the troubled country’s future.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who took over after his father was murdered on the frontlines by insurgents last April, proposed the round table. He also called for a national confab to include the rebels.
Among other things, the rebels requested the release of prisoners of war, a general amnesty for all political-military figures including dissidents, and the return of rebel property seized by the government.
Outside Klessom prison, near the capital N’Djamena, Justice Minister Mahamat Ahmat Alhabo said the prisoner releases “are a first step towards the inclusive national dialogue.”
The talks are scheduled for February 15 and intended to lead to a new constitution, presidential and parliamentary elections.
Among those released are former MPRD peace and reconstruction movement member, Adolphe Djelassem Mbaibe arrested in 2020.