Tchad: magistrates and security minister seek common ground

In N’Djamena, a pivotal meeting unfolded on May 27, 2026, at the Ministry of Justice, bringing together key figures to address escalating tensions between magistrates and the Minister of Public Security and Immigration. Among the attendees were Justice Minister Ndolenodji Alixe Naimbaye and Security Minister Ali Ahmat Aghabache, alongside senior judicial representatives.

Dialogue takes center stage amid misinterpreted statements

At the heart of the discussion was a clarification of remarks made by the Security Minister during a public meeting on land occupation. The minister acknowledged that his statements, which were widely circulated in edited video clips, had been taken out of context. He strongly denied any intent to undermine the judiciary, expressing regret over the misrepresentation of his words.

Judicial independence in focus

Union representatives voiced concerns, arguing that the minister’s comments could be seen as an attempt to interfere with the judiciary’s autonomy. While welcoming the government’s apology, they urged for further clarification on certain ambiguous phrasing in the minister’s statements.

Path toward reconciliation

The Security Minister admitted that his choice of words had created confusion and committed to issuing a formal, unambiguous apology. The First President of the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of institutional dialogue to safeguard judicial stability and public trust. All parties agreed to refine the wording of the apology letter and release a joint statement outlining the reconciliation process. By the meeting’s end, a sense of calm had been restored.