Killings: Embrace dialogue in interest of national reconciliation, Kingibe advises Chadians

Babagana Kingibe, Nigeria’s envoy to Chad and the Lake Chad basin region, has condoled with the people and government of Chad over the killing of protesters in the country.

About 50 people were reportedly killed in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, following a clash between protesters and police. Nearly 300 people sustained injuries in the incident that occurred on Thursday.

The protesters were demanding an end to military rule in the country.

Reacting in a statement on Friday, Kingibe urged the people involved in the crisis to exercise restraint, avoid violence and embrace dialogue to resolve their differences.

“We received with great concern the distressing news of violent clashes resulting in multiple loss of lives, injuries and destruction of properties following demonstrations that took place on 20th October 2022 in N’Djamena and other cities,” the statement reads.

“We extend our condolences to the families of the bereaved and the Government and people of Chad for the avoidable and deplorable loss of lives.

“We also wish the injured speedy recovery. We call on all parties to exercise restraint, eschew violence and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving contentious national differences.

“We encourage the Government and the People to build on all the efforts and achievements made during the first phase of the Transition.

“This is in the interest of national reconciliation and the achievement of collective aspirations of all Chadians for good governance, justice, the rule of law and equitable, inclusive national development.

“The destiny, peace and prosperity of the peoples and Member states of the Lake Tchad Basin commission are inextricably linked. As the Special Envoy, I wish to reassure you of our continued support to Tchad in their quest for a peaceful transition to constitutional order through free, fair and credible elections.”