Chad’s military has deployed hundreds of troops along the border with Cameroon to prevent rebel abductions of civilians.
The move comes after armed men kidnapped a dozen Cameroonians, including a prominent traditional ruler, who was later rescued by Chadian troops.
The traditional ruler, Voutsou Tairia, was freed from captivity and returned to Cameroon, where he received medical attention.
The violence between the Moussey and Massa communities erupted in border areas late last month, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of civilians.
Many have fled to safer towns and villages, while others remain reluctant to return to the Gobo district due to ongoing tensions.
According to local reports, the conflict began after a member of the Moussey community was killed and his goats stolen.
The Moussey community responded with attacks on their Massa neighbors, using guns, machetes, and bow and arrows.
The violence has claimed at least five lives and left scores wounded, with both communities reporting about 13 deaths and several dozen houses torched.
Chad’s military is seeking civilian cooperation to address the intercommunal violence, which has been ongoing for weeks. The deployment of troops aims to restore stability and security in the region.
