ICJ 20 July ruled Senegal must prosecute or extradite to Belgium former Chadian President Habré for crimes against humanity. President Déby early July reportedly escaped coup attempt; several army, presidential guard officers arrested; authorities claimed arrests “mere disciplinary measures”. Trade Unions 17 July began strike over salaries.

Judge Emmanuel Dekeumbé removed from office following refusal to sentence opposition MP Gali Ngoté Gata, arrested 4 March for poaching; opposition decried removal. Senegal Justice Ministry 4 June said preparations underway to try former President Habré.

Judges, citing procedural irregularities, 10 May rejected calls for release of president’s chief of staff and former AU ambassador to EU, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, arrested mid-April on corruption charges. Govt 21 May launched “operation Cobra” to promote transparency in handling of public funds, better governance. President Déby 1 May called for creation of “joint deterrence force” to fight Boko Haram at Lake Chad Basin Commission.

President Deby 10 April met Niger counterpart, announced combined efforts to fight insecurity in Sahel, threat from Boko Haram, 24 April met SRSG Abou Moussa and AU Special Envoy on LRA Francisco Madeira to discuss LRA threat. Deby 30 April called for creation of regional force to fight Boko Haram.

Thousands of migrants returned, fleeing clashes in Nigeria between Boko Haram, security forces.Opposition deputy Ngoté Gata sentenced 6 March to 1-year prison for attempted bribery. International Court of Justice 12 March began hearing Belgium’s request to secure extradition from Senegal of former President  Habré for alleged crimes against humanity.

Supreme Court 22 Feb confirmed ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement victory in 19 of 43 constituencies in 22 Jan local elections; opposition CPDC coalition alleged fraud.

President Deby 20 Jan married daughter of Musa Hilal, Sudanese Janjaweed militia leader. Opposition 9 Jan announced formation of Coordination of Political Parties for the Defence of the Constitution (CPDC), agreed to field joint candidates in first local elections 22 Jan, held without incident. Deby 27 Jan sacked Planning Minister Mahamat Ali Hassa and Oil Minister Tabe Eugenefollowinggovtrowwith China over refinery deal. Senegalese court 12 Jan rejected Belgian extradition request for former Chad president Hissene Habré.

President Déby 7 Dec reiterated support for Doha Peace Agreement for Darfur following visit to Sudan. Prior to visit, Sudan security forces reportedly arrested 2nd VP of opposition Union of Resistance Forces Abdelwahid Aboud Makaye, only remaining Chadian rebel leader in Sudan, at request of Chad govt. ICC 13 Dec referred govt’s refusal to arrest Sudanese President Bashir to UNSC.

Director of Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services 7 Oct met with President Deby to discuss border security issues, following return to Darfur from Chad of Justice and Equality Movement leader Khalil Ibrahim. National electoral commission 16 October announced local elections planned for Nov 2011 will be held 15 Jan 2012. Over 1,220 Sub-Saharan Africans evacuated from Libya arrived in Zouarké, Chad/Niger border 20 Oct. Govt 26 Oct confirmed fuel price rise despite general strike by trade unions, civil society.

Military official 7 Sept said elements of Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) previously stationed in Libya had crossed Chad border with about 100 cars, weapons supplied by Libya. Chad and Sudan continued to coordinate military operations against JEM forces returning to Darfur.