TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 48

CHAD

CONFIDENTIAL

Report by West African Department

General Observations

1.

Chad has a military government; there is armed insurrection mainly in the North and East but government control outside the major population centres is uncertain in most parts of the country. The present regime is more humane than its predecessor and has been attempting a policy of reconciliation with the rebels. But the political instability and widespread illiteracy make a truly liberal system difficult.

Right No.

(i) Some political prisoners exist.

(ii) There is no evidence of torture, but the

security services are still led by men with a reputation for brutality under the former regime.

(iii) There is no slavery.

(iv) All information media are owned by the

state, but there is no formal prohibition on private newspapers.

(v) A state security tribunal half military and half civilian has recently been set up to try political and similar offences. It is unlikely to be unbiased.

Rating suggested by Department

55

+

4

6

(vi) Political activity is controlled by the

government, but in any case the unions are of negligible strength.

6

(vii) There is no restrictions on emigration.

о

CONFIDENTIAL