The independent press in Chad has coalesced to proactively respond to the state of emergency proclaimed on 15 February and the subsequent media law amendments promulgated on 20 February. The independent media, as reported by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), initially halted publication in protest of the new law issued by decree that increased the maximum penalty for “false news” and defamation.

Now more than one month after, the independent N’Djamena-based press has resumed printing and is combining efforts to combat the severe legal restraints that have only recently been augmented. What is unique to this case is that the newspapers have come back with a united front and even a united publication, coined the “newspaper of newspapers.” Most of the independent Chadian weeklies that have been inactive the past month partook in the effort.

The Professional Association of Chadian Media in coordination with RSF conceived the idea for the collective issue on 20 March 2008. The staff of the capital’s four main newspapers, N’Djaména Bi-Hebdo, L’Observateur, Le Temps and Le Miroir (that would also show the logos of the 15 December 2007 closed Notre Temps newspaper and the 16 February shut down radio FM Liberté), produced the 16-page issue. On 28 March 10,000 copies selling at 200 CFA francs (approximately 0.30 euros) were distributed.

The issue included an appeal for press freedom and specifically for the rescission of Decree No. 5 on the press. RSF responded to the move, which they financially provided for, with, “By working together, the independent press has found a way to return to work and to demand, with a single voice, the repeal of an archaic law adopted in unfair conditions.”

This movement of solidarity has arisen out of a harsh context that has resulted in many journalists fleeing in exile. RSF also noted, “there is a great deal of fear and uncertainty about the future.” Though this move undoubtedly adds to the impetus for fostering more agreeable and safer grounds for freedom of the media. RSF reported to RAP 21 that the newspapers of N’Djamena have planned to independently publish issues this week and that the Association of Chadian Private Media has planned to challenge the laws at hand collectively in court.