By Paschal Norbert
N’DJAMENA, AUGUST 9, 2024 (CISA) – Fr Madou Simon-Pierre has been released less than 24 hours after his arrest for “inciting division and endangering national cohesion,” according to government sources.
Fr Madou was freed amid a significant public outcry following his arrest, which was spearheaded by the Most Rev Edmond Djitangar, the Metropolitan Archbishop of N’Djamena, who issued a quick communiqué condemning the manner of his arrest.
On August 5th, the priest was taken into custody while at his parish health centre in N’Djamena by individuals posing as visitors, according to the parish guard who witnessed the arrest.
The archbishop of N’Djamena criticized the manner of the arrest, describing it as “ruthless” given Fr Madou’s health condition. He revealed that arresting officers fired four bullets at the gate to gain entry.
“The arrest took place without any warning, despite his state of health. Fr Madou is ill and is being treated at the “St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta” health centre. He was taken up by men wearing turbans who came in unidentified vehicles. The entrance door of the parish was forced open, with four shots fired at the locks,” said the archbishop.
Initially, “The manner of the arrest had suggested a kidnapping by bandits. However, the government later clarified in a statement that the priest had been taken into custody,” said a source.
Following rumours about the alleged kidnapping, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and government spokesman, Abderrahman Koulamalah assured in a statement that “Fr Madou was duly arrested by law enforcement authorities and in strict accordance with judicial procedures.”
“The arrest follows a thorough investigation by the competent authorities after Fr Madou repeatedly made statements that incite division and jeopardize national cohesion,” stated Koulamalah.
In Chad, Fr Madou Simon-Pierre is known for his outspoken stance against injustices and human rights violations perpetrated by those in power. In a recent interview with Vatican News, he reiterated the Church’s role in advocating for the poor and marginalized.
“The manner of the arrest, the fact that the prosecutor did not follow formal procedure and his rapid release suggest an act of intimidation against a priest who has taken critical positions towards the Government. The rapid release of Fr Madou was probably helped by the statement of Archbishop Goetbé Edmond Djitangar, who immediately published a communiqué on the priest’s arrest as well as the strong mobilization of the Catholic laity,” said a source to Vatican News.
Despite living in an oil-rich country beset by poverty and inadequate basic services, Fr Madou’s activism has made him a target for authorities. He remains committed to his mission of addressing and exposing injustices.
As Fr Madou emphasized upon his release, the struggle for justice and human rights continues. With the steadfast support of the community, he remains a voice for the voiceless and a beacon of hope for those in need.
