Written by: Badr Ahmed

The controversy surrounding the judges' strike in Chad has sparked a new wave of debate about the independence of the judiciary and the limits of criticism directed at public institutions, after Chadian President Mohamed Idriss Deby called for accepting criticism and respecting freedom of expression within the framework of the laws, while simultaneously affirming his commitment to the principle of separation of powers.

President Deby's remarks came amid escalating tensions between the executive branch and some actors within the judiciary, over positions that judges considered to be an attack on the judicial institution, which prompted some of them to go on a protest strike that sparked widespread reaction within political and human rights circles in the country.

Tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary in Chad

The Chadian president affirmed that freedom of expression is a right guaranteed to all, whether citizens or public officials, noting that suppressing criticism within institutions could negatively impact democratic values and the social contract. He added that the recent criticisms were not directed at the entire judiciary or all judges, in an attempt to defuse the prevailing tension.

In a message that carried political and legal dimensions, Deby stressed that he had already taken steps to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, including working to prevent the President of the Republic from heading the Supreme Judicial Council, considering that this approach reflects his keenness to enshrine the principle of separation of powers and to guarantee the independence of the judicial institution away from any direct interference from the executive authority.

The president also acknowledged the importance of union work and its role in protecting professional rights, describing it as an essential part of democratic practice. However, he stressed that defending individuals or groups should not become a justification for positions that contradict the values of justice or professional ethics, referring to the ongoing controversy surrounding the stances of some judicial unions.

These statements reflect the sensitivity of the current phase in Chad regarding the restructuring of relations between state institutions, particularly in light of growing demands to guarantee the independence of the judiciary and respect for fundamental freedoms. Observers believe that Déby's statements represent an attempt to contain the crisis and ease tensions with the judiciary by emphasizing respect for freedom of expression and the independence of institutions, while simultaneously calling for the acceptance of criticism within state bodies in accordance with the requirements of democratic transition.