Mitterrand as defender of the empire
LCR election appeal of southern factions and elements even a number of cadres of the GUNT have gone over to the regime, probably helped along by the French secret
ALL THAT WAS needed to get the politicans to break off their squabbling it seems, was the roar of French Jaguars in the sky over Chad. No one expected the Socialist Party to disavow the military intervention. Long ago, it traded in its principles for a servile adaption to the president's policy. Substantial criticisms could not have been expected from the right. Did it not, in its time, engage in the same interference in the affairs of the African peoples?
The most remarkable thing, no doubt, is that this climate of unity extended to the Communist Party, which has refused to condemn the bombing of Ouadi-Doum [Libyan-built airfield in northern Chad]. It is true that there was no way that it could decorously oppose a decision very similar to Operation Manta, which it approved in August 1983 when it was in the government.
What difference does it make to these actors in the parliamentary shadow play that this new colonial expedition is costing tens of millions of francs, while a lot of unemployed people are left without resources? What does it matter to them that the French paratroopers are going to the rescue of a regime infamous for its cruelty to civilian populations? For them, only one thing is important - to make sure that the world's third greatest military power is not given a comeuppance by the small Libyan state.
It is unacceptable for the right of the peoples to self-determination to be trampled under foot in this way. It is unacceptable for the army to get all the credits it demands while the workers are being hit by a brutal austerity.
The fight for justice and freedom is indivisible. A genuine left poliey the imperialism peoples of the Overseas Territories [the TOM-DOM] and maintains a private preserve on the African continent.
In this election campaign, the LCR [Ligue communiste revolutionnarie
French section of the Fourth International] supports have been almost alone in proclaiming these principles. This is another reason to vote for them on March 16. That is one way to make your vote back together, French policy the centrifugal
Up to 15 politico-military factions have clashed or regrouped at times in temporary alliances. Most of them come out of the breakup of the old southern regime or the crisis of nationale du Tchad - Chad National Liberation Front), which was built candidates and the slates that it in the North between 1966 and 1972. Another example is that Goukouni and Habre found themselves by side in government in 1979-1980, before going separate ways.
The fact that the Habre government, which has been in power now since 1982, has acquired a certain stability (to be sure, a very relative one) has been conducive to a series realignments. Recently, several services.
In fact, it may be to stop this internal crisis that the GUNT has resumed hostilities in the North. But it is still too early to accept such an explanation.
Throughout this entire affair, Libya's poliey toward Chad has had little to do with the anti-imperialism proclaimed by Qadhafi. In this region, the colonel's regime has conducted a murky policy, marked by abrupt tums and provocations.
Tripoli's correspond to the needs of the Libyan state, which, to achieve its aims, uses the same methods as those it claims cynicism and violenee against popu-
None of the existing camps cares about the masses. While it is true that a section of the population is living off this interminable crisis, lining up behind one group or another in the name of ethnic interests, the great majority are simply enduring the war.
The economic and social situation in Chad is catastrophic. Chronic underemployment, one of the highest rates of infant mortality, only two doctors per 100,000 inhabitants -these are only a few of a long list of symptoms of poverty. But, of course, no one has bothered to take these into account.
French troops arriving in Massakory, north of N'djemena, 1983 (DR)
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МЕТЕЛЕ.
International Viewpoint 10 March 1986
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WOMEN branches which are "female", some of undergoing which are recession
(textiles, footwear, clothing) and some of which are expanding (electronics).