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Chad Opposition Leader by Security Forces
Yaya Dillo, a prominent opposition leader in Chad, was killed Wednesday in a shootout with security forces, according to government officials. The incident comes amidst ongoing political tensions in the Central African nation, which is scheduled to hold presidential elections in May.
Dillo’s death follows accusations by the government that he was involved in a deadly attack on the National Security Agency (ANSE). He vehemently denied these allegations, claiming they were fabricated to silence him before the upcoming elections.
The violence unfolded near Dillo’s party headquarters in the capital, N’Djamena. According to Communications Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, Dillo “died where he had retreated, at the headquarters of his party. He didn’t want to surrender and fired on law enforcement.”
Dillo served as a vocal critic of President Mahamat Déby, who assumed power in 2021 following the death of his father, longtime president Idriss Déby. The senior Déby was killed by rebels after ruling Chad for three decades.
The unrest adds to the complexities surrounding the upcoming elections, which aim to restore constitutional rule in the country. Dillo’s party, the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF), further asserts that security forces attacked PSF members outside the ANSE building while attempting to retrieve the body of another party member, Ahmed Torabi. According to the PSF, Torabi was killed by authorities who accused him of attempting to assassinate the president of the Supreme Court.
Senegal’s Sall Proposes Amnesty for Protesters
In a move aimed at calming political tensions, Senegal’s President Macky Sall has proposed an amnesty for individuals convicted in connection with political protests over the past three years.
President Sall, facing criticism over his handling of the electoral process, stated the amnesty is intended to “pacify the political arena and further strengthen our national cohesion.” However, the proposal comes amid a national dialogue boycotted by opposition figures and civic organizations.
President Sall’s decision follows his controversial postponement of the presidential election, originally scheduled for February 25th. The Constitutional Court subsequently overturned the delay, urging the vote to be held as soon as possible.
The proposed amnesty bill, which President Sall intends to submit to parliament on Wednesday, has already drawn strong opposition. Critics argue it is a self-serving attempt to shield security forces and potentially President Sall himself from prosecution related to protester deaths during the unrest.
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