Chad Tightens Media Regulations Ahead of Elections

Chad's High Authority for Audiovisual Media (HAMA) has announced stringent measures to regulate online news outlets, threatening suspension for those sharing audiovisual content instead of written articles. Abderamane Barka, head of HAMA, emphasized these actions as part of a 'clean-up' of the media landscape ahead of December's elections. The Association of Chad’s Online Media (AMET) has expressed concerns that these regulations overstep existing legal frameworks and threaten press freedom. This crackdown comes amid rising tensions in Chad, with the government recently intensifying security measures following the assassination of a former intelligence commander. The political environment is further complicated by the opposition's boycott of the upcoming parliamentary elections, citing a lack of credibility in the electoral process. Observers warn that these developments could severely limit media pluralism in Chad as elections approach.