Chad: Controversial Detention of Evangelists in Sabangali – Religious Freedoms in Danger
By: Charilogone Editorial StaffOn July 15, 2025, the situation of religious freedoms in Chad is extremely worrying following the arrest of several evangelists on June 21, 2025. In this officially secular country, their prolonged detention, without a transparent trial or clear communication about the charges, raises questions about respect for the rule of law.
The arrested evangelists were conducting an evangelistic mission in Sabangali, a neighborhood established along the Chari River in N'Djamena, known for its religious and spiritual practices. Their presence in this area was known to the population and is not unusual. This activity is part of a deep-rooted local tradition, reinforcing doubts about the legitimacy of their arrest.
Despite constitutional guarantees for religious freedom, these individuals have remained imprisoned for nearly a month. The lack of judicial proceedings and public information on the alleged facts raises legitimate concerns about abuse of power or political manipulation of the judicial system.
Observers and human rights defenders urge the Chadian authorities to respect the rule of law and handle this case with clarity and fairness. If laws have been violated, it is up to the courts to rule swiftly and respect fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial, and freedom of religion.
This case illustrates the growing tensions between security-based governance and freedom of conscience in a multi-religious state. If not handled rigorously and impartially, it could erode trust in Chadian institutions and tarnish the country's image on the international stage.
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