N’Djamena: Government Announces Trench to Stop Rebels is actually Canal

by · November 4, 2021

ALI SABIEH, Djibouti (April 4, 2009) Equipment Operator Constructionman Apprentice Graeme Hathaway, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 Detachment Horn of Africa, drives a backhoe during a project to repair facilities at the Ali Sabieh Primary School. NMCB-11 is deployed for the first time since being reestablished in 2007 and is working in the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa area of operations. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Erick S. Holmes/Released)

Souleyman Abakar Adam, the Chadian Minister of Public Security has announced at a press conference that despite news reports to the contrary, the trench dug around the city — presumably to inhibit rebels from entering — is actually a water canal.

This shocking news was announced at a press conference on state TV during which three government ministers took the occasion to cover many topics of national interest.

“It’s a canal and not a trench”

Souleyman Abakar Adam (Nov. 4th, 2021) Regarding the Trench Dug around N’Djamena

The trench, according to Souleyman Adam, is actually dug to drain water from the Chari river to the “Green Belt” area.

“A trench cannot stop rebels from entering a capital”

Souleyman Abakar Adam, Minister of Public Security

The defensive trench was started by Idriss Deby Itno after a rebel assault almost took the capital in 2008, and its excavation was restarted by his son soon after a rebel invasion shook the country in April.

Peter Lee

Freelance Journalist and Editor, currently working with Heartbeat Africa News covering events in "The Heart of Africa". Contact Peter Lee in English or French at PeterLee@heartbeatafrica.news

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