On April 4, 2022, a bus driver at the National Center for University Works drove his bus toward a group of student protesters and slashed Aboul Fathi, a student at the University of N’Djamena, across the forehead with a knife.

Frustrated over limited bus service to the university in certain areas, students blocked traffic, prevented the buses from exiting their parking lot, and asked that the drivers leave their vehicles. While some did so, one driver reportedly drove his bus at the group of students. He then exited his bus with a knife and attacked Fathi, leaving a several-centimeter gash across his forehead. Police arrested the driver and took him to the police station, while Fathi was transported to the hospital. The driver was released later that day.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about a violent attack on a student protester. University staff have an obligation to refrain from physical violence, including in response to students’ acts of civil disobedience. State and university authorities should take steps to protect students from violence, including by investigating such incidents and holding perpetrators responsible.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.alwihdainfo.com/Tchad-un-conducteur-de-bus-donne-un-coup-de-couteau-a-un-etudiant_a112761.html
https://www.journaldutchad.com/tchad-un-etudiant-grievement-blesse-par-un-conducteur-de-bus/
https://tchadinfos.com/education/mouvement-dhumeur-des-etudiants-sur-laxe-walia-toukra/
https://www.ndjamenaactu.com/societe-un-chauffeur-de-bus-du-cnou-blesse-un-etudiant-au-visage-a-laide-dun-couteau/