Chad Wakes From First Curfew As More Protests Planned

Residents in Chad’s capital city N’Djamena and three southern towns have woken up after the first overnight curfew, imposed by the military-led government yesterday.

The crackdown followed clashes during pro-democracy protests that left nearly 50 people dead. More protests are expected today.

There was an outcry at the treatment of protesters on Thursday, and the US embassy in the capital shared this sombre photo of the aftermath:

The banned demonstrations calling for a swifter transition to democratic rule took place on the day when the junta leader, General Mahamat Idriss Déby, was originally intended to step down.

A meeting earlier this month extended his rule for another two years.

The new prime minister, Saleh Kebzabo, said the unrest amounted to an armed uprising.

The government has also suspended the activities of three political parties.

General Déby declared a state of emergency on Wednesday due to exceptionally heavy floods.