N’Djamena, Chad – (African Boulevard News) – The European Union (EU) has suspended €10m in military aid to Chad, amidst a diplomatic dispute between Chad and Germany. The move comes as a blow to the Chadian armed forces, which were set to benefit from the aid package.
Chad has been at odds with Germany over the handling of a case involving a Chadian man who was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The man, who was a former member of Chad’s secret police, was found guilty of torture and murder during the regime of former Chadian President Hissene Habre.
The EU had planned to provide military aid to Chad for the purpose of strengthening the country’s ability to fight terrorism and secure its borders. However, the suspension of the aid package is a clear indication of the EU’s displeasure with Chad’s handling of the war crimes case and its continued support for the convicted man.
The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some experts expressing concern about the impact of the suspension on Chad’s security forces. “This decision will weaken Chad’s ability to deal with terrorist threats in the region and could have serious consequences for regional security,” said one analyst.
On the other hand, others have welcomed the EU’s stance. “It is important that the EU takes a strong stand against countries that violate human rights and undermine justice,” said a human rights activist.
Chad has been facing a number of security challenges in recent years, including attacks by Boko Haram and other extremist groups. The country has been working to strengthen its military capabilities in order to combat these threats, and the EU’s suspension of the aid package could be a setback for these efforts.
However, Chad has remained defiant in the face of the EU’s decision, with government officials insisting that they will not be influenced by external pressure. “Chad will continue to pursue its own interests and will not be dictated to by anyone,” said one official.
Overall, the suspension of the €10m in military aid to Chad is a clear indication of the EU’s commitment to upholding human rights and justice. While it remains to be seen how this will impact Chad’s security forces, it is clear that the country will need to work closely with its international partners to address the many challenges it faces.