Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Chad.

The UK is deeply concerned by the situation in Chad. The Foreign Secretary and I have publicly condemned the killing of President Déby, the broader violence in Chad and the recent repression of protests. In support of the African Union, we encourage the Transitional Military Council to deliver an inclusive, timely, civilian-led transition to constitutional rule. The recent appointment of a civilian government is a step in this direction.

Regarding the human rights situation, the UK remains concerned by reports of increasing human rights abuses and violations across the Sahel, including Chad. We condemn the violence and repression of protesters in Chad over recent weeks, and are deeply concerned by allegations of the use of live ammunition against civilians. Recent events underline the need for an inclusive transition to help build a peaceful and stable future for the Chadian people. The UK ambassador designate will be returning to Chad imminently and will, in due course, present his credentials to the Chadian transitional government. More widely, the UK also uses our humanitarian assistance to support those worst affected by conflict in Chad and we have been pressing in the UN Security Council and in the region for renewed efforts to tackle impunity for human rights abuses and violations across the Sahel.