Chad: The BET's Talking Tree
By: Joe le Mutant - Charilogone Editorial TeamState Crimes and Their Outcomes in Chad
In Chad, state crimes are often punished through a very specific mechanism: the appointment of the families of the deceased to key positions. This pattern was observed with Ibni Omar Mahamat Saleh, and seems to be repeated today with the Dilo family.
This is a distorted form of dia, where the state compensates for the lack of justice through institutional arrangements. These decisions are made after the "Makrib" prayer, a setting where bereaved families seal their fate.
Justice Supplanted by the Talking Tree
This method of resolution is reminiscent of the talking tree, a traditional approach that favors family dialogue at the expense of justice. A logic that is similar to the debates of African intellectuals, such as those of Eric Topona on Deutsche Welle.
In this process, two camps emerge:
The conciliators, often maternal uncles, who advocate appeasement and urge the family to accept compensation.
The "resentful" ones, who refuse any contact with the state, constantly recall the memory of the deceased and denounce the regime's methods.
The Noura Affair: The Zakawa Precedent
A striking example is the Noura case, a young girl raped by Zakawa leaders during the reign of Marshal Idriss Déby Itno. Despite global outrage, the withdrawal of the complaint, accompanied by the payment of damages, settled the case. The family then showed their support for the Marshal during his fourth term, closing the case once and for all.
Zène Bada and the Absent Justice Under Déby
No legal proceedings for a state crime have ever been successful during the 36 years of the Débys' reign. The perfect illustration of this is Zene Bada, who was richly rewarded after the unexplained disappearance of his brother Maldom Bada Abass. Today, he enjoys the dividends of this arrangement, legitimized under the principle of the Dia.
The Role of the Minister of Finance in These Transactions
At the center of these compensations is the Minister of Finance, orchestrating disbursements to pay for damages and ensure political stability. This system directly benefits him, as each disbursement feeds his network, strengthening his influence within the government.
Perspectives: Peace in Makrib
In Chad, peace is cultivated within family circles, particularly after evening prayers. Meanwhile:
General Bahr Itno prepares his return, accompanied by his deserters, deemed "misguided by Satan."
The Minister of Finance distributes compensation, continuing to enrich himself through these transactions.
Ousmane Dilo may soon return, following the country's traditions of reconciliation.
In Chad, appointments replace justice, and financial compensation settles state crimes. History repeats itself, and those who refuse to accept these compromises remain waiting for justice that never comes.
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