Despite continued standoff between govt and unions over working conditions, major unions 13 Jan said they would suspend five-month strike for one month. Following airstrike on Chadian rebels in S Libya by Libyan General Khalifa Haftar’s forces in Dec and rumours that combatants had crossed from Libya into N Chad, govt 6 Jan said it had closed border with Libya and deployed troops to prevent other militants entering Chad. President Déby discussed EU’s aid to Chad during Brussels visit 9 Jan. Former President Hissène Habré’s appeal against conviction for crimes against humanity opened in Dakar, Senegal 9 Jan; court said it would give final verdict 27 April. FM Moussa Faki Mahamat 30 Jan elected AU Commission chair for four-year term.

Govt 7 Dec released eleven opposition members arrested in Nov anti-govt protest organised by New Opposition Front for Transition and Change (FONAC) coalition. Rebel group Chadian Front for Change and Accord (FACT) 13 Dec said Libyan General Khalifa Haftar’s forces carried out airstrike on its base in southern Libya 10 Dec killing one FACT rebel. In visit to Chad French PM and defence minister 29 Dec expressed support to govt and emphasised importance of counter-terrorism partnership.

Strikes protesting govt austerity measures continued. Parliament 17 Nov failed to reach quorum of MPs needed for planned vote on its confidence in govt. Police 17 Nov cracked down on opposition protest that defied govt ban. Opposition coalition called for general strike 22 Nov which it said was widely respected. PM Padacké 24 Nov requested that main unions refrain from striking for twelve months, unions rejected request. In N’Djamena clashes between ethnic Zaghawa and Kreda 25 Nov killed five; suspected jihadist shot at police outside U.S. embassy 30 Nov, no casualties. Chadians continued to leave Boko Haram movement in Lake Chad area pushing total of defectors to over 1,000 in three months.

Civil society groups and students continued to protest against austerity measures announced 27 Sept: govt 19 Oct reduced cuts to civil servants’ bonuses and allowances for eighteen months from 80% to 50%. Opposition party leader Dinamou Daram arrested 7 Oct for inciting civil disobedience after calling on citizens not to pay taxes. President Déby and German Chancellor Merkel meeting in Berlin 12 Oct committed to strengthen security and economic relations. Judges 28 Oct went on strike for two weeks protesting cuts in allowances. Opposition MP 19 Oct submitted vote of no confidence in govt but national assembly president refused to transmit it to govt.

Boko Haram (BH) fighters intensified attacks on Lake Chad islets near border with Niger, killing several soldiers. Alleged BH attacked army position near Kaiga Kindjiria in Lake region at Niger border night of 24-25 Sept killing four soldiers and wounding six, military said seven BH killed. Dozens of BH combatants surrendered on Lake Chad’s shore during month. Libyan General Khalifa Haftar, commander of Libyan National Army opposed to Presidency Council, 14 Sept visited President Déby in N’Djamena and discussed security in Libya.

Security forces used tear gas to disperse banned opposition rallies in N’Djamena 6-7 Aug; one protestor killed 7 Aug, day before President Déby’s inauguration for fifth term. French President Hollande received Déby in Paris 20 Aug, reaffirmed support for fight against terrorism and development in Lake Chad region. Four soldiers killed when vehicle hit Boko Haram landmine 27 Aug at Kaiga Kindji near Niger border.

Army continued operations against Boko Haram (BH) on Lake Chad islands: arrested several suspected BH members including on Tchoukoudoum islet near Nigerian border and Kaiga Kindjiria islet near Niger border, early July clashed with BH near Nigerian border. Army and air force reportedly supporting Nigerian army repel BH attacks in Borno state, Nigeria. At African Union (AU) summit 17-19 July in Rwanda, President Déby, current AU chairman, proposed creation of trust fund for fighting terrorism in Africa. 31 opposition parties 26 July formed Front de l’opposition nouvelle pour l’alternance et le changement (FONAC) coalition.

President Déby 4 June went to Ngouboua on Lake Chad island to galvanise troops and call for people’s support against Boko Haram (BH). Following BH attack on Bosso town, south Niger 3 June, Nigerien President Issoufou 7 June asked Déby for military support against BH. Chadian troops in Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) mid-late June reportedly took part in operations against BH in Lake Chad region.

Constitutional council 3 May announced official results of 10 April presidential elections; President Déby winner with 59.92% of vote, Saleh Kebzabo second with 12.77%. Council’s dismissal on procedural grounds of opposition’s request that vote be invalidated led six opposition candidates to call for general strike on 5 May; call not heeded. U.S. and France early May called on govt to investigate disappearance of at least twenty military personnel 9 April allegedly after voting for opposition. Former President Habré 30 May convicted in Senegal for crimes against humanity and sentenced to life.

President Déby re-elected with 61.56% of vote in first round poll 10 April according to provisional results announced 21 April, constitutional council to present final count by 6 May. Campaigns and voting day passed peacefully but vote marred by irregularities. Six opposition candidates 22 April rejected results, claiming results in reports from voting stations differed from those electoral commission published, 29 April said they had asked constitutional council to invalidate Déby’s victory. Amnesty International 29 April said at least twenty soldiers and police reported missing since 9 April after voting for opposition. Parliament 25 April prolonged state of emergency in Lake Chad region for six months empowering region’s governor. U.S. Ambassador to UN Samantha Power visited 20 April, discussed with Déby support for fight against Boko Haram and said Chad needs to reinforce democratic institutions to remain stable.