Human Rights Watch Report Highlights Systematic Abuse and Deaths at Chad's Koro Toro Prison

The report reveals that during the two to three-day journey from the capital, N’Djamena, to the Koro Toro prison, detainees were denied basic necessities such as food and water.

Human Rights Watch has released a scathing report accusing Chad's military of severe abuses and deaths in custody at Koro Toro prison. The 77-page report, titled "'Worse Than Hell': Death and Torture at Chad's Koro Toro Prison," details how detainees were mistreated and unlawfully detained following the October 2022 protests in Chad.

The report reveals that during the two to three-day journey from the capital, N'Djamena, to the Koro Toro prison, detainees were denied basic necessities such as food and water. Many reportedly drank their own urine to survive, with some dying from hunger and dehydration. Human Rights Watch documented at least ten deaths, with the real number likely much higher. The bodies of the deceased have not been returned to their families.

Upon arrival at Koro Toro, detainees faced further abuse, including severe mistreatment and torture. The prison is divided into two sections: Koro Toro 1, an older and dilapidated facility, and Koro Toro 2, which is in better condition but still inadequate. Both sections house pretrial detainees and convicted prisoners, with conditions described as inhumane.

The report also highlights the involvement of Boko Haram affiliates in managing daily prison operations, leading to additional abuse and forced labor for detainees. Judicial processes for those detained were reportedly hasty and failed to meet fair trial standards.

Human Rights Watch calls for the immediate closure of Koro Toro 1 and urgent repairs to Koro Toro 2. The organization demands that all detainees held without charges be released and that international partners reconsider their support for Chad if reforms are not implemented.

"Mahamat Idriss Déby's government must demonstrate its commitment to human rights by addressing these abuses and ensuring accountability," said Lewis Mudge, Central Africa Director at Human Rights Watch.