Chad’s government has taken a disturbing turn in its approach to dissent by weaponizing citizenship, a tactic that threatens the very foundation of civil rights and democratic norms. On September 17, 2025, authorities issued a decree to revoke the nationality of two prominent critics: blogger Makaila Nguebla and journalist Charfadine Galmaye Saleh. Both men, currently living in exile, have long been outspoken against the regime’s policies. Nguebla, a human rights advocate and former presidential adviser, and Saleh, editor of the influential outlet TchadOne, represent voices that have consistently challenged the government’s narrative. The decision to strip them of citizenship is widely viewed as a punitive measure designed to silence opposition and intimidate others who dare to speak out.
Citizenship is not merely a legal designation, it is the cornerstone of one’s identity, rights, and protections under the law. Revoking it arbitrarily, especially in retaliation for political expression, violates international legal standards and exposes individuals to statelessness, a condition fraught with vulnerability and exclusion. Chad’s actions stand in stark contrast to its obligations under international human rights conventions, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which prohibits the arbitrary deprivation of nationality. The move has drawn condemnation from rights organizations, with Human Rights Watch warning that such measures erode the rule of law and signal a deepening authoritarian trend.
This escalation is part of a broader crackdown on civil liberties in Chad. Opposition leaders face lengthy prison sentences, journalists are routinely harassed or detained, and security forces operate with near-total impunity. The National Assembly’s recent vote to eliminate presidential term limits further consolidates power in the executive branch, raising fears of indefinite rule. These developments suggest a coordinated strategy to dismantle democratic institutions and suppress any form of dissent. By targeting citizenship, the government is not only punishing individuals but also sending a chilling message to the wider population: political criticism may cost you your identity, your rights, and your place in society.
The implications of this strategy are profound and far-reaching. It undermines public trust in the state, destabilizes the social contract, and risks alienating the international community. While the government may achieve short-term control through fear and repression, the long-term consequences could be devastating, fueling unrest, deepening divisions, and eroding the legitimacy of state institutions. Chad’s weaponization of citizenship marks a dangerous precedent, one that threatens to unravel the fragile threads of democracy and human rights in the region.