With our correspondent in Ndjamena, Aurélie Bazzara-Kibangula

« Put out the fire before it spreads ». This is how a security source describes this non-aggression agreement, signed by more than one hundred traditional leaders.

In ten points, the commitment emphasizes the prohibition on carrying weapons. An essential measure for the authorities, who indicate that civilians were seen with weapons during the demonstrations. Another point of the agreement aims to prevent any hate-inciting statements.

This agreement serves as a basis to restore calm in the province following the crackdown on demonstrations against the inauguration of the Bani Halba canton chief in the eastern part of the country. Violently suppressed, at least 21 people have died, according to human rights organizations. The authorities speak of 14 deaths.

A « disproportionate use of force »

But many questions remain unanswered, such as the use of live ammunition to disperse the demonstrators. On this point, a government source admits that a « disproportionate use of force was deployed », while emphasizing that the « situation was close to insurrection ».

Finally, the question of the governor's responsibility is far from resolved. The demonstrators are demanding his resignation. In a confidential memo, the ministerial delegation requested his recall to Ndjamena to ease the situation.

A criminal investigation is also underway, according to government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah. It should provide answers to all these questions in the coming days.