Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno set off for the provinces on Saturday, November 7, on a tour focused on security. According to the Chadian press, the aim is to assess the situation on the ground, strengthen defence arrangements and better protect civilians. The first stop quickly made an impact. Shortly after arriving in Torboul, in Ennedi Ouest, some 120 kilometres from Fada and 170 kilometres from Am-Djarass, the head of state relieved several administrative and military officials of their duties.
The judiciary also changed shape that day. A presidential decree, signed after approval by the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, made a broad round of judicial appointments. The postings cover courts and tribunals throughout the country.
In the south, the day was more turbulent. In the village of Bendjeri, in the Nya department of Logone Oriental province, a dispute between administrative authorities over who held jurisdiction turned violent and left 16 people injured. Local officials have taken disciplinary measures and are now calling on residents to remain calm.
Dengue, meanwhile, reached the Senate floor. Senator Zara Dillo questioned the Ministry of Public Health over its handling of the outbreak. She pointed to shortcomings in prevention, reliance on foreign aid and the working conditions of health workers.
Pressure has been building for days. On November 4, before the National Assembly, Health Minister Abdelmadjid Abderahim Mahamat reported 18 deaths and 6,275 suspected cases. Four days earlier, the toll stood at 14 deaths and 5,571 suspected cases. N’Djamena then accounted for 354 confirmed cases. In early November, the government announced free treatment and a stepped-up response.