Chadian president defends security minister amid magistrates’ dispute

In a bold move to protect institutional balance, President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has publicly supported the country’s Security Minister against a lawsuit filed by magistrates over remarks deemed offensive to the judiciary. The legal action, sparked by comments questioning the integrity of certain court rulings, has now escalated into a broader debate about freedom of expression and institutional accountability.

Preserving democratic principles amid legal tensions

The Head of State emphasized that in a functioning democracy, public criticism—whether directed at officials or institutions—must remain within the bounds of legal frameworks. ‘In a democracy, freedom of expression applies universally, to every citizen and public officeholder alike, provided it complies with existing laws. When magistrates entrusted with public responsibility reject all forms of criticism, it undermines the very foundations of our social contract,’ the President stated.

In a significant institutional shift, he announced his decision to step down from presiding over the Superior Council of the Judiciary, signaling his commitment to separating executive oversight from judicial independence.

A measured response to judicial concerns

The President went further to clarify the nature of the dispute: ‘It is essential to note that the Security Minister did not condemn the justice system as a whole, nor did he attack all magistrates.’ His remarks came in response to a widely circulated video in which the minister openly challenged certain court decisions, labeling them as conducive to falsehoods and vowing to ‘tear apart false rulings.’

While acknowledging the legitimacy of trade unionism as a cornerstone of democratic governance, he cautioned against conflating professional advocacy with the defense of actions that undermine justice and ethical standards. ‘Supporting individuals or groups must never extend to tolerating conduct that is harmful or incompatible with the values of fairness and integrity,’ he asserted.