The President of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has publicly defended the country’s Security Minister following a legal complaint filed by magistrates over comments they deemed disrespectful to the judiciary.
In a firm statement, the Head of State emphasized that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, applicable to all citizens—including public officials—provided it adheres to existing laws. He cautioned that when judges entrusted with public responsibility reject criticism, it risks undermining the foundations of the nation’s social contract.
Highlighting this concern, the President announced his decision to no longer preside over the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, signaling a clear stance on judicial independence and public discourse.
Minister’s remarks spark legal backlash
Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno clarified that the Security Minister’s statements did not target the justice system as a whole, nor all magistrates. He underscored the importance of syndicalism as a vital component of democratic governance, while cautioning against defending actions that contradict the principles of justice and ethics.
A widely circulated video showed the Security Minister sharply criticizing certain court rulings, labeling them as encouraging falsehoods. He vowed to challenge what he referred to as “false orders,” a remark that has now become central to the dispute.
