Chadian magistrates down tools over wages and security

Chadian Magistrates on Tuesday embarked on a two-week strike to demand the payment of their bonuses and better safety conditions.

The Union of Chadian Magistrates (SMT) says the government has failed to honour its promise to pay their 2015 annual performance bonus of about $330 000.

“We are on strike for two weeks, that is to say until 15 July. Our claims relate to particular financial and security issues,” said Djonga Arafi, union president.

The union also says in March an army officer assaulted a magistrate in Baga Sola (in western Chad) for reasons unknown.

“We demanded the arrest of an army officer who publicly assaulted a magistrate in Baga Sola in March. The officer was arrested and imprisoned in the prison N’Djamena. it is a response to one of our concerns, but we will have a general meeting to evaluate (the satisfaction of other claims) on July 15, “ said Arafi.

SMT has over the years called on the government to take action against the increasing lack of security.

Public servants’ strikes over wage payment delays have increased in the west African country in recent months.

On Tuesday several formed queues at banks in N’Djamena, hoping to receive their June salaries before the start of Eid celebrations scheduled for Wednesday began.

AFP