Human Rights Watch has reported that Chad's military was responsible for the deaths of several detainees arrested after protests in October 2022. The group stated that at least four people died en route to Koro Toro prison, with six more dying at the prison itself. The actual death toll is believed to be higher than reported.
The protests erupted in response to interim leader Mahamat Deby Itno's extension of power for two years. Security forces used live ammunition during the demonstrations, resulting in the deaths of at least 60 individuals. This unrest marked a significant departure for Chad, which had experienced minimal public dissent during the rule of Deby Itno's father, who governed for over three decades until his assassination in 2021.
Following the protests, hundreds of individuals were detained and transported to Koro Toro, located approximately 600 kilometers from the capital, N'djamena. Human Rights Watch has called for investigations into what it described as unlawful detentions, mistreatment, and deaths in custody.
The report highlighted instances of detainees being mistreated and denied basic necessities during their transit to the prison. Some individuals died during the journey, with their bodies reportedly discarded along the way. Koro Toro prison, which is overseen by the military, was reported to have prisoners affiliated with Boko Haram administering day-to-day operations, leading to further abuse and violence.
Detainees at Koro Toro were subjected to inhumane conditions, including being chained with iron rods attached to their ankles for weeks, solitary confinement, forced labor, and physical abuse. Human Rights Watch has called for the closure of one of the main prison buildings, citing its unsuitability for housing individuals. The group also urged for the return of deceased detainees' remains to their families for proper burial.
Chad's government has defended the detentions at Koro Toro, claiming that the 2022 protests constituted an insurrection. The justice minister stated in a letter that there was no evidence of human rights violations related to the transfer or detention at the prison.
Activists and former detainees have described Koro Toro as one of the most dangerous prisons in Chad, where individuals are left untreated for injuries, subjected to torture, and denied communication with the outside world. Chad's political landscape has been marred by allegations of eliminating political opponents, with the current president, Deby Itno, facing criticism over the legitimacy of his election.
Chad's involvement in recent military coups has raised concerns about human rights abuses and the treatment of detainees. The situation at Koro Toro prison underscores the need for accountability and transparency in the country's justice system.
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