Chad opposition shuts down N'Djamena

Chad's opposition successfully locked down the capital and other cities on Wednesday, closing markets, shops and slowing traffic in a countrywide protest at President Idriss Deby Itno's bid for a fresh fifth term in office.

Chadian soldiers roll down a main road in the Chadian capital N'djamena.

The protest emptied N'Djamena's two big markets of shoppers and school classrooms remained empty following the call for a nationwide shut-down under the slogan "That's Enough".

Banks and private companies remained open for business along with some ministries, but there was far less traffic than usual in the city. Deby, who has been in office for 25 years, is running for re-election on April 10.


The morning to lunchtime shut-down "was total" in Chad's second biggest city Moundou, a resident told AFP by telephone. "Not even the motorbike taxis are running," he said. In Mao in the northwest trade at the weekly market too was disrupted, a resident said.

The spokesperson for the "That's Enough" opposition grouping, Mahamat Nour Ibedou, said the cities of Sarh in the south, Abeche in the east and central Mongo were also locked down.

"This shows people have realised they can exercise their democratic rights," said the spokesperson for the score of civil society groups involved, including the Chadian Human Rights League and the Union of Chadian Trade Unions.