Chad: easing tensions between judges and security minister

In a move to restore institutional harmony, a high-level meeting unfolded in N’Djamena on May 27, 2026, bringing together key figures from Chad’s justice system and public security sector. The gathering aimed to address mounting concerns triggered by statements made by the Minister of Public Security and Immigration, which sparked debate among legal professionals.

The session took place at the Ministry of Justice and included the presence of the Minister of Justice, Ndolenodji Alixe Naimbaye, alongside the Minister of Public Security, Ali Ahmat Aghabache. The discussions centered on restoring mutual trust and clarifying misinterpreted remarks that had fueled tensions.

Dialogue as a tool for institutional cohesion

Minister Naimbaye emphasized the critical role of open dialogue in maintaining a stable and cooperative environment between judicial bodies and government authorities. On his part, Minister Aghabache clarified that his earlier statements—delivered during a public domain regulation meeting—had been taken out of context, notably due to manipulated video content circulating online. He firmly denied any intention to undermine the judiciary and expressed regret over the misrepresentation of his words.

Concerns and commitments

Trade union representatives voiced serious reservations, arguing that the minister’s comments risked undermining judicial independence. While acknowledging the government’s formal apology, they insisted on receiving precise explanations regarding certain ambiguous phrasings used in his initial statements.

In response, Minister Aghabache acknowledged the potential for misinterpretation and pledged to issue a clear, unambiguous public apology. The First President of the Supreme Court welcomed the commitment to dialogue, stressing its importance in upholding judicial credibility and national stability.

Next steps toward reconciliation

The participants agreed to refine the wording of the official apology and release a joint statement outlining the path forward. The meeting concluded with a shared determination to foster transparency and rebuild confidence in Chad’s judicial processes.