N’Djamena, Chad – The General Staff of the Chadian Armed Forces has announced plans to safely dispose of 432 explosive devices, primarily grenades, discovered following a powder magazine fire. Collaborating with the Office of Military Engineering and Production (OGETAM), the National High Commission for Mine Action, and the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), this disposal operation aims to eliminate potential risks to public safety.
The designated location for the disposal process will be the Amfiguel firing range, located approximately 80 kilometers from the capital city of N’Djamena. Through controlled detonations, the destruction of these explosive devices will take place over a span of one month, from July 19th to August 19th.
As a precautionary measure, the Chadian military has issued a temporary evacuation notice for residents living within a 2-kilometer radius of the firing range during the controlled detonations. This measure is intended to prioritize and ensure the safety of the public in the vicinity.
Although the disposal site’s proximity to civilian residences has raised concerns among human rights organizations, the Chadian government remains focused on mitigating further risks and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. The fear of potential casualties or property damage from the explosions has prompted these organizations to closely monitor the situation.
Following the tragic June 2nd explosion at the DGRS (Direction Générale de la Sécurité des Services Penitentiaires) ammunition depot, which resulted in nine fatalities and 46 injuries, as well as displacement of families due to damaged homes, concerns about the disposal process’s impact on the community persist. The victims’ collective has appealed for government assistance, underscoring the critical need for support and acknowledgment.
Beyond addressing immediate safety concerns, the Chadian government faces the challenge of maintaining a delicate balance between ensuring public safety through disposal of the explosives and minimizing disruption to the lives of those residing in the area. With the needs of the affected individuals from the initial explosion at the forefront, efforts are being made to approach the situation with sensitivity and compassion.