Government announced plan to expel 150,000 Mahamid Arab refugees, most of whom fled Chad in 1980s, citing security threat to indigenous communities. Move sparked international and domestic protest and fears of ethnic violence. Government spokesman later said only those without legal papers would have to leave. 5,000 people held demonstration in eastern town of Diffa urging government to carry out full expulsion.

Government continues crackdown on media. Director of one newspaper jailed for “defamation” for 6 months. Three radio journalists briefly detained for broadcast on dispute between farmers.

Government closed only state-run university after protests by hundreds of students and launched crackdown on independent media, closing down 15 private radio stations and removing editors of two weekly newspapers.

Negotiating security pact with Nigeria to clamp down on smuggling, human-trafficking and cross border banditry.