Discomfort at the heart of the “Big Silent”
source: tchadactuel.com
Since the categorical rejection of the memo from Headquarters, nothing works anymore at the heart of the “Big Silent”. The military is in the process of cleverly implementing the threats inside the said memo: in case of a refusal, they’ll lower their weapons. That is why, lately, everyone is sick and asking for an evacuation: some to Egypt, others to Cameroon, other still to Jordan or to Europe, etc…
Debby, feeling the danger, is not holding back on the money he’s spending to satisfy them. Knowing full well that these are imaginary sicknesses, but worried that refusing may risk having to face dreadful consequences, the Chief gives in: one officer of the clan, 10-15 million CFA, a soldier or civilian reassigned to the army for the needs of the cause, 3 million, a boy (for the lucky one) 5,000 CFA, all this while the wounded of Ade are at the mercy of their parents in the military garrison and in the neighborhoods.
Since gratuities and tips do not by themselves stop the bleeding, so Debby implements the next phase: the one of promoting people by rank. In the space of two days the President signed 20-some decrees. The first decree rose to the rank of Division General all the old Brigadier Generals, with the exception of Hassan Djerbo, Mahamat Saleh Kaya, and all the military people from the Haggar family including their fighting partners issued from that same family.
Hassan Djerbo and Mahamat Saleh Kaya are suspected of being closer to the rebels than to the regime. Daoussa Deby is giving himself great pleasure to spread all of this in N’Djamena. The second decree rose to the rank of Brigadier General certain rare faithful who still stayed with him, including some civilians.
As to the other decrees, they are altogether preposterous. Over 1000 people were raised to the next rank. Each military chief, each advisor, every clown, in short, all that had the opportunity of approaching the chief, each proposed their list: you will find primary grade level students, high school students, people who came from the village only to salute their relatives and leave again, cab drivers, herders passing through from the North of the country as the rainy season approached, shopkeepers, and even military people in rebellion in the east of the country! In summary, a little of everything, of every village and of all layers of society. Only those who did not have a close intermediary to reach the chief were disadvantaged. And of course this last category started to complain. These decrees created more problems than they solved. All those on the frontlines, the actors at Hadjer-Marfaïne, at Moudeina and at Ade, are forgotten. And today it is nearly a revolt. The sector that was designated to replace the elements of Ade refuses to go there: and those in turn threaten to return to N’Djamena even if their replacement is not assured. It is that way for many other sectors.
Faithful to custom, you’ll have to wait for the next storm of decrees to promote all those who express their opposition. That will be the price to pay to support the services provided by what is left of the army.
Beremadji Felix, N’Djamena, tchadactuel.com
