At least 42 people were killed and 10 wounded in eastern Chad after a clash between two families over a water point escalated into a cycle of reprisals across a wide area, Deputy Prime Minister Limane Mahamat said. The deadly violence erupted when a dispute over access to a scarce water source turned violent, Mahamat told reporters. According to the deputy prime minister, the initial confrontation quickly spiraled into a series of retaliatory attacks that spread across several communities. He confirmed that the casualty toll stands at 42 dead and 10 wounded, with the injured receiving treatment. Mahamat described the incident as a tragic escalation of a local water dispute that engulfed a wide area.
The wounded were evacuated to a provincial health center for medical care, Mahamat added. He said the cycle of reprisals spread over a large area, prompting army intervention. The deputy prime minister credited the military's swift response with containing the clashes. He noted that the situation is now under control and a sense of calm has returned to the affected region. The army's quick action was crucial in stopping the violence from spreading even further, Mahamat stated. The military's intervention was necessary to prevent the conflict from moving into neighboring areas, he explained.
The deputy prime minister announced the launch of a customary mediation process to reconcile the warring parties. In addition, judicial proceedings have been launched to identify and prosecute those responsible for the killings, he said. Mahamat emphasized that both traditional and legal mechanisms would work in tandem to ensure justice and lasting peace. He stated the government's determination to hold the perpetrators accountable through legal channels.
Mahamat said the government will take all necessary measures to prevent destabilization of the border area. Mahamat noted the region's history of inter-communal violence, stressing the need for such measures. However, specific details about the planned measures remain unclear. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to securing the region and preventing any spillover of violence. The deputy prime minister warned that the situation could worsen if not addressed promptly. The government is committed to restoring lasting peace in the area, Mahamat added.