State Of Emergency In Chad
A
state of emergency has been imposed on three regions in Chad
after ethnic clashes resulted in the death of about 20
people.
Restrictions
will be in place for 12 days in the eastern regions of
Ouaddai and Wadi Fira and the northern region of Borkou, Ennedi
and Tibesti.
The ethnic
violence has been exacerbated by a four-year conflict across the
border in Darfur, with the Zaghawa tribe, which Chadian
President Idris Derby belongs, accusing the Sudanese government
of supporting members of the rival Tama tribe.
Tensions
between the Zaghawa and the Tama have been high for many years.
Hopes of an end
to the violence were raised recently when former Tama rebel
leader, Mahamat Nour joined President Derby's government as
defence minister.
But Nour is now
accusing the Zaghawas of starting the fresh round of violence.
The ongoing
instability in the region prompted the European Union to
authorise the establishment of a 3,000-strong, UN-backed
peacekeeping force to maintain order.
The EU force
will be predominantly French troops and is expected to start its
deployment in November.
BBC/MIA
