lemonde.fr
Chadian Journalist Arrested Amid Crackdown on Press Freedom
Chadian journalist Mahamat Saleh Alhissein was arrested on March 9th, 2025, in connection with the case of Olivier Monodji Mbaindiguim, editor of Le Pays, amid accusations of translating Russian documents concerning Mali and the Sahel's economic situation. This follows a pattern of increasing repression against journalists and civil society actors in Chad.
- What is the significance of Mahamat Saleh Alhissein's arrest in the context of Chad's recent political and international realignments?
- Mahamat Saleh Alhissein, a journalist for Télé Tchad, was arrested in connection with the case of Olivier Monodji Mbaindiguim, editor of Le Pays and RFI correspondent. The arrest, confirmed by the president of the Chadian journalists' union, follows accusations against Alhissein of translating Russian documents. The prosecutor will provide more information on Monday.
- How does Alhissein's arrest relate to the broader pattern of repression against journalists and civil society in Chad under Mahamat Idriss Déby's rule?
- Alhissein's arrest is part of a broader pattern of repression against journalists, politicians, and civil society actors in Chad under Mahamat Idriss Déby's rule. At least three journalists have faced arbitrary detention since August 2024, according to AMET, highlighting concerns about freedom of the press. This crackdown coincides with Chad's shift away from France towards partnerships with Russia, Hungary, and the UAE.
- What are the potential long-term implications of Chad's increasing reliance on non-Western partners and its simultaneous suppression of dissent for the future of press freedom and democracy in the country?
- The arrest of Alhissein and the ongoing repression of dissent signal a deepening authoritarian trend in Chad. This crackdown, coupled with Chad's strengthened ties with Russia and other non-Western powers, suggests a potential further erosion of democratic freedoms and press independence in the near future. The international community's response will be crucial in shaping the trajectory of this situation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the arrests and the negative consequences for press freedom in Chad, potentially creating a biased perception. The headline and introduction immediately focus on the arrests, setting a negative tone before providing context. While the article mentions the government's perspective, this is overshadowed by the emphasis on the journalist's arrests and criticism of the government.
Language Bias
The article uses relatively neutral language. However, terms like "verrouillé la gouvernance" (locked down governance) and descriptions of elections as "ni crédible ni libre" (neither credible nor free) carry negative connotations. More neutral phrasing could be used, such as "consolidated control" and "challenged by opponents as lacking credibility and freedom.
Bias by Omission
The article omits information about the specific content of the documents translated by Mahamat Saleh Alhissein, limiting the reader's ability to assess the accusations against him. It also doesn't detail the nature of the "other sources" that contradict the official statement. Further, the article could benefit from including the responses of the Russian government to the accusations. The lack of this crucial context makes it difficult to draw informed conclusions about the legitimacy of the arrest.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the official account of the arrest and "other sources," without exploring the possibility of other explanations or nuances. It doesn't delve into the potential motivations of different actors involved.
Sustainable Development Goals
The arrest of journalists in Chad, including Mahamat Saleh Alhissein and Olivier Monodji Mbaindiguim, represents a significant setback for freedom of the press and the rule of law. These arrests, coupled with the broader pattern of arbitrary detentions of journalists, politicians, and civil society actors, undermine democratic institutions and impede progress towards SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The lack of transparent legal processes and the use of arbitrary detention by security services directly contravene the principles of justice and fair trial enshrined in SDG 16. The context of these arrests within a broader political environment characterized by a lack of free and fair elections further underscores the negative impact on SDG 16.