At least 33 people have lost their lives in renewed intercommunal clashes in southwestern Chad, following a violent dispute over access to a water well, local media reported on Wednesday.
The bloody confrontation erupted late Tuesday in Dibebe, a village situated about 15 kilometres from Ngoura in the Hadjer Lamis Province. According to local sources cited by Tchadinfos, the violence broke out between two rival communities, both laying claim to the ownership of a vital water source.
Preliminary reports indicate that 18 people were killed and 20 others injured in Hadjer Lamis, while another 15 fatalities and several injuries were recorded in the neighbouring Barh El Gazal Region.
Witnesses say the dispute over land and water rights dates back to 1967, and despite the deployment of security forces, tensions in the area remain dangerously high.
In response to the escalating violence, senior government officials — including Minister of Territorial Administration Limane Mahamat, Justice Minister Youssouf Tom, and Public Security Minister Ali Ahmat Akhabach — have visited the region to calm tempers and oversee efforts to restore peace and order.
