Authorities in Chad have banned journalists and civil society actors from independently investigating the recent deadly violence in Mandakao, a community in the western Logone region. The clashes claimed the lives of around 40 people and have heightened political tensions across the country.

The order, issued by the public prosecutor at the High Court of N’Djamena, follows the arrest of opposition leader Succès Masra, who is accused of inciting the violence.

Judicial officials have warned that any attempt to conduct parallel investigations will be met with legal consequences, raising serious concerns over transparency, press freedom, and access to information.