Chad Water Dispute Kills At Least 42, Army Intervenes Locally

Chad Reports Fatal Violence Over Water Dispute

At least 42 individuals have been killed in eastern Chad following a dispute between two families over access to water, according to Deputy Prime Minister Limane Mahamat. The incident occurred on Saturday in Wadi Fira province, near the Sudanese border, and has since spread across a wide area.

Mahamat confirmed the total number of fatalities during a visit to the village of Igote on Monday. Additionally, 10 people were injured and have been transferred to a provincial health centre for treatment. The situation escalated into reprisal attacks, prompting the army’s intervention.

Security forces responded swiftly to contain the unrest, with authorities now stating that the situation is “under control.” A customary mediation process has been launched in the village, and judicial proceedings are underway to establish criminal responsibility.

Intercommunal clashes linked to competition over land and water have occurred in Chad previously. In 2023, fighting between farmers and herders in the southwest resulted in dozens of fatalities and destroyed homes.

The violence coincides with Chad facing increased pressure from the war in neighbouring Sudan. Eastern provinces have absorbed hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing the conflict, straining already limited resources. The border with Sudan was closed in February due to concerns over fighters crossing into Chad’s territory and the threat of the conflict spilling over.

According to United Nations estimates, the war in Sudan has resulted in more than 40,000 deaths. The conflict has also displaced at least 14 million people, triggering a humanitarian crisis described as the world’s largest.

Source: Al Jazeera