This week, the Government of Chad (GOC) released a memorandum outlining the direction of its new security sector strategy in eastern Chad. The strategy will come into effect as 1400 MINURCAT peacekeeping troops begin to depart from eastern Chad, followed by the complete withdrawal of the Mission by 31 December 2010 - at the request of the Chadian government.

The GOC has engaged in ongoing consultations and is working in close collaboration with UN agencies and NGOs in eastern Chad to develop its strategy... Read more.

Numerous International and Chadian NGOs operate in eastern Chad, providing health, education, water, shelter, and other services to refuges, IDPs and the local population. With the departure of UN peacekeepers responsible for protecting civilians, the Chadian Gendarmerie (police) and Chadian Armed Forces will soon, once again, be the sole providers of security in the region.

The key concerns of civilians are that the transition from MINURCAT to the Government in the forthcoming months does not hamper progress in securing the volatile border region, which has seen numerous armed clashes over the past years and continues to be volatile.

Missing from the Government's memorandum is a link between SSR and justice system reforms, essential to address lawless and impunity in eastern Chad. A vital component in punishing perpetrators of armed violence, bandits and undisciplined soldiers within its own ranks, the GOC must ensure that this is incorporated into its formal security sector strategy, due to be submitted to the UNSC by July 31st, 2010

Responsible to protect all civilians equally, the GOC has begun building robust consultation mechanisms, through the creation of a high-level working group and the “Bureau de Securisation et des Mouvements (BSM).”

Not yet discussed are formalized procedures for dialogue between the Government of Chad, refugee populations, IDP and the local populations on security issues in eastern Chad. While strengthening lines of communication between the Government and NGOs serving refugees is welcomed, this is no substitute for communication with Darfurian and Chadian populations.

Finally, CFK has raised concerns with Chadian authorities regarding the pre-emptive deadline (December 2010) for the return of IDPS to their villages of origin. While some Chadians may want to return home, others have purchased land and have no desire to uproot once again. Security conditions in the border region remains precarious and premature returns may just cause further instability in the area.

The GOC has assured that all returns would be voluntary.

- Joe Read