Chad's president promises to free prisoners accused of December coup attempt in Eid address

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Chad's transition President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno promised to release all prisoners Friday who are in jail in connection with last year’s failed coup.

Deby said his decision was guided by his “virtues of forgiveness.”

He also announced that citizens who were arrested following last October’s protests will be freed.

“I hereby commit myself, before you and God, to free compatriots who were charged for their involvement in a coup attempt last December,” he said in his Eid al-Fitr message.

The president did not elaborate on the numbers to be released but reports indicate that 12 people were arrested after the alleged botched coup.

Chadian authorities claimed in January they had foiled a coup in December and arrested 11 military officers and rights activist Baradine Berdei Targuio for “attempting to destabilize the constitutional order and the country's institutions.”

Deby earlier this month pardoned hundreds of rebels who were jailed in connection with the death of his father, former President Idriss Deby Itno.

In March, the transition president also pardoned more than 200 people who were convicted on multiple counts in connection with the October 22 protests.

Deby called for national unity and reconciliation in his speech, reiterating his determination to build a united Chad.

“We must build a society with citizens respectful of authority as well as human life. Citizens who put the sense of the common interest before self, not citizens who kill each other or without desire to live together in harmony and diversity,” he said.

He asked the country’s Muslim Council to continue to pray for Chad's brotherly and neighboring countries, particularly in Sudan, where raging conflict between rival factions has killed hundreds.

Deby urged citizens in the east to show compassion and generosity toward Sudanese who have sought refuge in the country.

Chad hosts nearly 400,000 from Sudan, according to the latest UNHCR figures.

Deby assumed power in April 2021 after the death of his father who ruled for three decades and was killed in clashes when he went to visit troops on the frontlines.

The military has extended the transition period by two years, with elections scheduled for October 2024.