Chad has significantly reinforced its military presence in Miski, a gold-rich town in the Tibesti Region near the Libyan border, after renewed fighting with a local armed group over access to and control of gold resources.
The escalation has raised concerns about the collapse of a peace agreement intended to end nearly a decade of disputes over mineral revenues, RFI reported on October 25.
Clashes erupted on October 14 between soldiers from Chad’s National Mining Control Brigade and members of the Miski Self-Defense Committee. Chad’s army said two officers were killed and nine personnel wounded, and accused the committee of attacking the brigade. The group rejected sole responsibility and said it remained committed to dialogue.
The Miski committee says the government has failed to implement the April 20, 2025 peace accord, which included a ceasefire, amnesty, the integration of former fighters into the army, and measures on gold mining. It also demands the withdrawal of the mining brigade’s commander, whom it accuses of involvement in gold exploitation and imposing illegal taxes.
Tensions worsened after outside gold panners, including a cousin of President Mahamat Idriss Déby, allegedly entered a normally restricted mining area. The cousin was reportedly killed, an incident the committee described as the “point of no return”.
The army has ordered the committee to surrender its weapons immediately, warning that refusal would be treated as rebellion. Authorities have also arrested four suspects in connection with the October 14 attack, while search operations continue.
Chad’s Republican Mediator, Saleh Kebzabo, has urged an immediate ceasefire and renewed talks, saying force cannot replace dialogue.
