Chadian Civil Society Coalition Wakit Tamma had denounced France’s backing of the Transitional Military Council that seized power following the battlefield death of President Idriss Deby in April 2021 and is reportedly leading the anti-junta protests throughout N’Djamena.
Protestors destroyed several petrol pumping stations, targeted French nationals, attempted to enter the French Consulate, and engaged in general vandalism and looting of French shops.
#Tchad le siège du consulat de France à Abéché saccagé. 3 station-service Total saccagé à NDjaména. La manifestation pacifique a pris une autre ampleur. Wakit Tama a violé son autorisation et devra rembourser les dégâts informe une source policière. pic.twitter.com/vBycKRpe51
— Moussa Nguedmbaye?? (@Guedmoussa) May 14, 2022
Interestingly, protestors removed the Chadian flag in the center of the city and raised a Russian Federation flag.
The police reaction has been immense with more than 100 armed officers, who have deployed tear gas and water cannons against the protestors.
Especially after several incidences where French citizens were targeted by protestors.
#Ndjamena ,des manifestants surexcités s’en prennent à un couple de français au Rond Sonasut.Les policiers sur place les ont empêchés de détruire le véhicule.#TchadManifAntiFrance pic.twitter.com/auX8ukpo3t
— Raïssa Nouradine Kassiré (@RaissaKassire) May 14, 2022
This violence has prompted the United States Embassy in Chad to issue the following warning:
