Chad is reeling from the tragic and mysterious death of Fulbert Mouanodji, a senior government official and former chief of staff to the governor of Ennedi Est.
His lifeless, partially burned body was found in Abéché, eastern Chad, on Saturday, August 2, just one day after he posted a chilling message on Facebook.
On August 1, Mouanodji wrote: “I am in danger, my friends.”
This haunting post went viral following the grim discovery of his body, sparking shock and widespread questions.
His family and the public are demanding a full and transparent investigation, while authorities lean towards the conclusion of suicide by self-immolation.
The Attorney General in Abéché claimed that Mouanodji had purchased two bottles of gasoline and set himself on fire. Yet his family strongly rejects this explanation. “If he had wanted to commit suicide, he would have done it in N’Djamena, near his family,” said his sister Felicité Mouandandgodi, expressing deep indignation.
Further fueling doubts was the hasty burial of Mouanodji without an autopsy or consultation with his relatives. His family has called for the body to be returned to the capital, N’Djamena, for a dignified funeral and an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The case has sent shockwaves across social media, with friends, colleagues, and ordinary citizens mourning a man described as calm, discreet, and peaceful. Many recall his warnings about insecurity and palpable tension within his professional environment, especially in volatile regions like Ennedi Est.
This tragedy has raised broader concerns about the safety of civil servants in Chad, particularly those serving in sensitive or unstable border areas. Observers warn of a “poisonous atmosphere” and persistent threats facing government officials. If foul play is confirmed, it would expose serious gaps in the state’s ability to protect its agents.
In response to growing public outrage, authorities have pledged to launch an investigation. However, Mouanodji’s family and many citizens insist that only an independent commission empowered to perform an autopsy and gather testimonies freely can uncover the truth behind this disturbing case.
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