Several human rights associations issued a strong public appeal demanding the release of opposition leader Succès Masra, whose arrest and sentencing have sparked widespread criticism. The groups accused the Chadian authorities of perpetuating “arbitrariness and terror” through politically motivated detentions and the repression of dissenting voices. The arrest has deepened concerns about Chad’s democratic trajectory following the transition period. Activists argue that detaining political opponents undermines commitments promised during national dialogues and transitional reforms.

“Chad Connection 2030” Plan

In contrast to the political tensions, the National Assembly issued a statement congratulating President Mahamat Idriss Déby for the progress of the PND “Chad Connection 2030” development program. Lawmakers highlighted what they described as significant financial mobilisation and major achievements in infrastructure and governance reforms. The endorsement signals strong parliamentary support for the president’s long-term national development agenda, which aims to modernise key sectors and improve economic resilience. Observers note that the praise comes at a time when the government is looking to strengthen political legitimacy amid rising criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.

Intercommunal violence

The opposition party Les Transformateurs publicly condemned recent outbreaks of intercommunal violence, urging authorities to take urgent steps to protect communities and prevent further escalation. The party emphasised the need for justice, accountability, and dialogue, saying that repeated cycles of violence—often triggered by disputes over land or resources—are becoming a pressing national security issue. Party leaders accused the government of failing to address the root causes of the clashes and warned that without stronger action, localised conflicts could destabilise broader regions of the country.

Special status of teachers

In governance and education reform news, the government adopted a new decree revising the special status of teachers. The reform aims to improve working conditions, streamline career management, and address long-standing grievances raised by teachers’ unions. The decree is expected to impact teacher recruitment, promotions, and remuneration frameworks. Education stakeholders say the changes could help reduce recurring strikes and strengthen the education sector—but also caution that implementation will be key to restoring trust between educators and the state.

Detention of LTDH team in Lac Province

Human rights groups united to denounce what they described as the “sequestration” of a team from the Chadian League of Human Rights (LTDH) in the Lac province. Reports indicate that LTDH members were detained while conducting field investigations. The coalition of associations condemned the incident as a violation of humanitarian and civil liberties protections and demanded an immediate explanation from authorities. They warned that obstruction of human rights monitoring undermines transparency, accountability, and public trust—especially in regions affected by security tensions.

According to the report, Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and India were the world ’s most polluted countries in 2024, with air quality levels many times higher than the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Chad recorded the worst air quality globally, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 µg/m³, over 18 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Bangladesh followed with 78 µg/m³, Pakistan with 73.7 µg/m³, the Democratic Republic of Congo with 58.2 µg/m³, and India with 50.6 µg/m³.

The 2024 IQAir report is based on data from more than 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across 8,954 locations in 138 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive assessments of global air pollution to date. Alarmingly, the report found that 126 countries exceeded the WHO’s safe air quality limits, and only 17% of global cities met the recommended PM2.5 guideline.

South Asia remains the world’s most polluted region. Despite some progress, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan continue to struggle with dense smog and industrial emissions. In India, air quality improved slightly, about a 7% reduction in PM2.5 levels compared to 2023, yet the country still ranked fifth overall.

The world’s most polluted city in 2024 was Byrnihat, India, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 µg/m³.

A major factor behind these high readings is the continued reliance on fossil fuels, combined with vehicle emissions, industrial output, and seasonal crop burning. In regions such as India and Pakistan, weather conditions, including low wind speeds and temperature inversions, trap pollutants close to the ground, turning cities into toxic basins.

Meanwhile, many African nations face growing challenges as rapid urbanisation collides with limited environmental monitoring. IQAir notes that in Africa, there is, on average, just one air quality monitor for every 3.7 million people.

The dangers of these trends became especially clear during the 2024 India–Pakistan smog crisis, when thick haze engulfed large parts of the two countries. In November 2024, some areas recorded PM2.5 levels as high as 947 µg/m³, forcing school closures and overwhelming hospitals with respiratory cases.

He was also ordered to pay $33 billion in reparations, with $29 billion earmarked for the Congolese state.

Decades before Kabila, Ahmadou Ahidjo, the first president of Cameroon, was similarly sentenced to death in absentia, though for a different reason. His successor, Paul Biya, accused him of staging a failed coup in 1983.

The conviction was the wedge that widened the rift between Ahidjo and Biya, who were former allies and top honchos of the ruling Cameroon National Union. It was even Ahidjo’s resignation that allowed Biya to assume what would be long-held power.

At the time of his sentencing, Ahidjo was living openly in exile in France , unlike Kabila, whose whereabouts are unknown. Biya later commuted the penalty to life imprisonment. Ahidjo died in 1989 in Senegal, where his remains remain, despite Biya’s long-standing pledge — unfulfilled to this day — to allow their return.

Biya eventually commuted the sentence to life imprisonment, and Ahidjo died in 1989 in Senegal, where his remains are still located, despite a longstanding pledge by Biya — who remains in power — to allow his body to return home.

In Chad, the pursuit of justice for former president Hissène Habré proved more complicated. 

Rights groups accused him of ordering killings, overseeing torture and rape, and other atrocities that drew international attention. Between 1993 and 2003, Belgian courts attempted to prosecute him, without success.

Chadian courts later sentenced Habré to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity, charges he dismissed as politically motivated. From exile in Senegal, however, he faced a special tribunal there that convicted him of rape, sexual slavery and responsibility for the deaths of 40,000 people during his rule.

Instead of execution, Habré was sentenced to life in prison in Dakar’s Prison du Cap Manuel. The verdict was historic: the first time one country’s courts tried the former leader of another for crimes against humanity. Habré died in 2021, aged 79.

These cases underscore how, across Africa, fallen leaders often remain entangled in the politics they once shaped — judged in absentia, pursued abroad, or posthumously remembered through sentences never carried out. 

The Chadian government has finalised an agreement with the Comité Diffa Al-Watan de Miski, a group representing local interests in the Miski region. This deal is seen as a significant step toward stabilising the resource-rich area, which has faced tensions over mining rights and local autonomy. Analysts suggest that the agreement could bring greater government oversight to artisanal gold mining operations, while also addressing long-standing community grievances about marginalisation and environmental degradation.

Weapons cache displayed in Goz-Beïda

Authorities in the Sila region showcased a large cache of war weapons to the press in Goz-Beïda. The arms, reportedly seized during recent security operations, are believed to have originated from cross-border smuggling networks operating near Sudan. The public display underscores Chad’s ongoing security challenges in its eastern regions, where porous borders have allowed weapons trafficking to fuel instability and armed group activity.

New coordination committee for women’s economic empowerment

In an important development for gender equality, Chad has launched a national coordination committee aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment. The initiative seeks to harmonise efforts across government ministries, NGOs, and international partners to expand women’s access to credit, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Observers see this as aligning with Chad’s broader goals under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 to boost inclusive growth and women’s participation in the economy.

Agreement with Miski stakeholders seen as conflict prevention

Political commentators are highlighting the Miski agreement as more than just a local settlement, framing it as a tool for conflict prevention in a historically restive region. By formalising cooperation with local committees, the government hopes to integrate community leaders into national governance structures, thereby reducing the likelihood of violent flare-ups over land and mining disputes.

Sila Region Security Crackdown Highlights Regional Risks

The recent weapons seizure in Sila also illustrates the fragile security environment in Chad’s borderlands. Experts warn that instability in neighbouring Sudan and the presence of transnational armed groups pose risks that require sustained government vigilance. The crackdown is part of a broader campaign to secure Chad’s borders ahead of upcoming local elections, ensuring that political processes are not disrupted by violence.

Chad tops the list at 91.8 µg/m³, meaning residents breathe air more than 18 times dirtier than the World Health Organisation’s guideline of 5 µg/m³. Bangladesh follows at 78 µg/m³, with Pakistan (73.7 µg/m³) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (58.2 µg/m³) close behind.

India, where crop‑residue burning, coal plants and vehicle exhaust are routine, recorded 50.6 µg/m³, while Tajikistan, Nepal, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi also made the top 10, all above 40 µg/m³.

The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) translates pollution levels into expected years of life lost. Its 2024 report warns that if PM₂.₅ levels were reduced to meet WHO guidelines, the average person could live almost two years longer, saving 14.9 billion life‑years globally.

Air pollution is now the leading external threat to human health, surpassing smoking, alcohol and traffic accidents. People in the most polluted regions, such as the Sahel, South Asia and parts of central Africa, lose an average of 2.7 years of life compared with those in the least polluted regions.

Why are Chad and Bangladesh so polluted? In the Sahel, dust storms sweep across deserts and mix with smoke from wood‑ and charcoal‑burning stoves. Chad has little industrial infrastructure to monitor emissions, so informal brick kilns and diesel generators operate unchecked.

In Bangladesh and Pakistan, rapid urbanisation, brick‑making, and garment manufacturing rely on coal and heavy oil. Seasonal crop‑burning in India and Nepal adds huge plumes of smoke each winter. Across central Africa, slash‑and‑burn agriculture and charcoal production are widespread. All of these sources produce PM₂.₅, tiny particles less than 2.5 microns across that lodge deep in the lungs.

The 2024 IQAir World Air Quality Report underscores just how exceptional clean air is. It found that only 12 countries and territories met the WHO PM₂.₅ guideline, while 99% of the global population lives in areas that exceed it.

The report gathered data from more than 40,000 monitoring stations in 138 countries and noted that 17% of cities met the standard, up from 9% the year before. By contrast, the countries with the dirtiest air have concentrations more than eight times the global average (around 9.6 µg/m³), highlighting the enormous inequality in air quality.

In addition to the prison term, Masra was fined 1 billion CFA francs, which equates to approximately $1.8 million. His legal counsel labelled the sentence “an ignominy and unworthy humiliation,” and confirmed an appeal will be filed.

Before departing the courtroom, Masra delivered a defiant message to his supporters to “stand firm.” A message they have lived up to.

Large protests emerged in the country on Saturday, August 9, after the ruling, as supporters chanted that the trial and sentence were unfair.

According to Sitack Yombatina, Vice President of the Transformers Party, the supposed crime of the party leader, Masra, is being handled as a political case.

"I spoke with a few people , and the politicians are going to sort this out, which means that the magistrates who have the final say, who made the law, who have the text at their disposal, who are in their jurisdiction, who are in their territory, are unable to pronounce judgement based on the written texts and are deferring to politicians. There is a problem. Why didn't we do this at the National Assembly if it's political? Why didn't we do this at the Palace on 15 January if it's political? Why didn't we do this at the Presidency of the Republic if it's political? Why didn't we do this at the Premature if it's political? Why didn't we do it at the Ombudsman's office if it's political?" he quizzed.

A day earlier, on August 8, 2025, Chad’s prosecutor general had urged the court to impose an even harsher sentence of 25 years in prison along with the confiscation of assets and a demand for 5 billion West African CFA francs (around $8.9 million) in compensation to the state.

Masra, who briefly served as prime minister in early 2024, challenged President Mahamat Déby in the disputed 2024 presidential election. After contesting the results, he resigned his post in late May 2024.

The incident triggering these charges occurred amid escalating ethnic and regional tensions in Logone Occidental in May 2025 and claimed 35 lives.

“As you have seen, we are unfortunately witnessing the establishment of a practice that consists of manipulating the justice system to settle political scores. We cannot stress this enough, and it is regrettable for our country,” he added. 

Masra, who served as prime minister between January and May last year, leads the Transformers party and is a prominent critic of President Mahamat Deby. 

He was accused alongside 67 co-defendants, mostly from the Ngambaye ethnic group, of triggering a violent clash between herders and farmers in Logone Occidental in May. The violence left 35 people dead and six others injured.

The former prime minister has denied all charges. He also contested the results of the May 2024 presidential election, in which Chad’s electoral body declared Deby the winner with 61.3% of the vote. Masra placed second, securing 18.53%.

Lake Chad province in the west hosts over 268,000 internally displaced people (IDPs), uprooted by armed violence and flooding. Across the regions, access to healthcare, clean water , shelter, and basic protection is deteriorating.

The situation has worsened since the suspension of U.S. funding from USAID and the Bureau of Population, Refugees , and Migration (PRM) support that had sustained much of the lifesaving response.

The report also reveals that the funding halt has forced the closure of maternity wards, suspended mobile clinics, and disrupted the delivery of essential reproductive health supplies to over 80 health facilities.

Despite escalating needs, UNFPA has received less than $1 million of the $27 million it urgently requires for 2025.

In April 2025 alone, the UNFPA undertook the following;

UNFPA is coordinating with partners across Chad to maintain operations, including safety audits in IDP camps, GBV case management, and youth education on reproductive health.

Chad’s crisis is no longer looming, it is here, escalating, and underfunded.

The cost of inaction will be measured in lives lost, dignity denied, and futures cut short.

Chad says its move is in response to the US restrictions.

The visa standoff highlights growing tensions over how African countries are treated in global immigration policies .

Trump said the travel ban was meant to protect the US from terrorist threats and security risks. But critics argue the decision unfairly targets African nations and is not based on clear or current security intelligence.

The African Union Commission warned that such bans could damage long-standing diplomatic and economic relationships between the US and the continent.

“The African Union Commission respectfully calls upon the U.S.  Administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned,” it said in a statement on X.

His residence, which also serves as the office for his party, Les Transformateurs, was reportedly surrounded by soldiers.

A video posted online, as reported by local news sources , appeared to show Masra leaving with men in military uniform.

Masra had only recently served as prime minister from January to May this year. He ran against President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno in the May 2024 election and claimed he had won, even though official results showed Deby securing 61.3 percent of the vote compared to Masra’s 18.5 percent.

Masra has been one of the strongest voices challenging Deby’s leadership.

President Deby came to power in 2021 after the death of his father, who ruled Chad for three decades.

The younger Deby was named transitional president by the military and had promised to return the country to civilian rule within 18 months. However, that timeline was extended.

Many opposition leaders have since been forced into exile, gone quiet, or joined the government .

A new constitution was passed in late 2023.

Deby, now 40, was then elected president in May this year, but international observers raised concerns about the fairness of the vote.

Meanwhile, there has been no official response yet from the government regarding Masra’s whereabouts.

The report found that Chad had the highest pollution level, with its air containing more than 18 times the amount of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) considered safe by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Bangladesh ranked second, with pollution levels more than 15 times higher than the WHO guideline, while Pakistan followed closely, exceeding the safe limit by more than 14 times.

Other countries with dangerously high pollution levels included the Democratic Republic of the Congo and India.

The report also showed that 91% of the countries studied failed to meet WHO’s air quality standards.

Frank Hammes, Global CEO of IQAir , emphasised the urgent need for action.

“Air pollution remains a critical threat to both human health and environmental stability, yet vast populations remain unaware of their exposure levels,” he said.

He added that air quality data is essential in shaping policies and protecting people.

The report also highlighted the lack of air quality monitoring in some regions, especially in Africa, where there is only one monitoring station for every 3.7 million people.

According to the report, air pollution in Latin America worsened due to wildfires in the Amazon rainforest.

Meanwhile, Oceania was named the cleanest region, with most of its cities meeting WHO’s air quality guidelines.

Aidan Farrow, Senior Air Quality Scientist at Greenpeace International, warned that failing to act on pollution today will have long-term consequences.

 “The World Air Quality Report should be a rallying call for urgent and concerted international efforts to cut pollutant emissions,” he said.

IQAir also announced an initiative to install air quality monitors in over one million schools worldwide.

The organisation believes this will help provide more people with real-time pollution data and push for cleaner air globally.

In response to the recent military campaigns, the security system has been reorganized, with troop positions reinforced both in numbers and resources.

According to the general, coordinated air and land operations successfully targeted and dismantled Boko Haram’s front lines and rear bases, significantly bolstering national security.

The Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces expressed his gratitude to the Chadian people for their unwavering support of the National Army and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the Marshal of Chad. He also extended his appreciation to individuals and institutions that contributed to the Defense and Security Forces during this critical operation.

These legislative measures have significantly boosted female representation, which stood at just 1.6% in the first legislature and 15.4% in the last pre-transition assembly.

A representative of the Constitutional Council told Tchad Info , “Women are the linchpin of society. It is only right that they have the place that is theirs by right in our institutions.”

Despite this progress, challenges remain. Experts emphasize the need for continued awareness campaigns to encourage political parties and voters to support women's political participation. Critics argue that while numerical representation is crucial, it must be accompanied by meaningful inclusion in strategic debates and policymaking.

Chad’s government decided to end military cooperation with France last year, saying the arrangement was no longer useful. President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno stated that Chad needed to take full control of its security, The Pinnacle Gazzette .

France had around 1,000 troops in Chad, helping fight armed groups in the region. But in recent years, France has also been forced to leave other African countries, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, as governments there sought new security partners.

Many Chadians supported the withdrawal, with some celebrating in the streets and calling for greater independence from France. Critics of France’s military presence say it was a form of modern colonial influence.

Despite pulling out its troops, France says it will continue working with Chad in other areas, including trade and culture.

"However, it should be noted that the polls, which were held on a Sunday, a day of worship for Christians, and in the midst of the end-of-year festive period, attracted only a moderate turnout," Bartchiret explained. "The turnout was 51.56% for the legislative and provincial elections and 50.41% for the municipal elections," he is further quoted by the AFP.

Despite the moderate participation, several political parties emerged prominently in the results. These include the ruling Mouvement Patriotique du Salut (MPS), Rassemblement national pour la démocratie (RNDT-Le Réveil), Union nationale pour la démocratie et le renouveau (UNDR), Rassemblement pour la démocratie et le progrès (RDP), Parti pour les libertés et le développement (PLD), and Paix et Cohésion Sociale (PCS).

For persons seeking a detailed breakdown of the election outcomes, Bartchiret pointed to the ANGE website , where the full results are published.

The French military said in a statement , “At midday, 120 French soldiers took off from the military airport of N'Djamena on board an Airbus A330 Phoenix MRTT, headed for France.”

The departure was overseen by Chadian military officials. France still has about 1,000 troops in Chad, and the full withdrawal is expected to take several weeks.

Chad announced on November 28 that it would end the defence pact with France, which dates back to its independence in 1960.

This decision follows similar actions by other Sahel nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where French troops have also been asked to leave in recent years.

President Deby, 40, is a former army general who took office in 2021 after the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who died from injuries sustained during a military confrontation in northern Chad. Idriss Deby ruled Chad for 30 years, serving as the country’s sixth president. 

Following a constitutional referendum on December 17, 2023, Mahamat Deby won the presidential election in May 2024 after leading Chad’s transitional government for three years. 

He will now serve as Chad’s seventh president for a five-year term, with the option to seek reelection for another term at the end of his presidency.

This exploitation emerges out of desperation; women face dire consequences if they refuse such offers, risking their survival in already challenging circumstances.

One 27-year-old Sudanese woman, who fled to Chad with her five children , spoke to The Associated Press about her harrowing experience.

She described being coerced into a sexual relationship with an aid worker in exchange for money to buy essentials. "The children were crying. We ran out of food," she said. “He abused my situation.”

The woman, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, explained that the aid worker promised her cash in exchange for sex. He gave me about $12 each time, she said. After giving birth to a child she claims was his, he provided her with a one-time payment of around $65 but denied paternity.

The man was a Sudanese labourer for Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, she added.

Another woman shared a similar story, detailing how two Chadian men at the site repeatedly contacted her after she applied for a job, offering employment in exchange for sex. Both women said they refused the proposition.

A Sudanese psychologist reports numerous accounts of women trading sex for support, leading to unwanted pregnancies and a cycle of abuse and neglect.

“They were psychologically destroyed. Imagine a woman getting pregnant without a husband amid this situation,” The psychologist said. "They came to me because they couldn’t get an abortion for fear of being shunned by their communities."

Despite the existence of safe spaces and reporting mechanisms established by humanitarian organisations to protect women from exploitation, many refugee women remain vulnerable.

One woman, who had a child as a result of a sexual relationship with an aid worker, said she feared reporting him for fear he would turn her over to the police . “He threatened me,” she said,

A 19-year-old refugee recounted being propositioned for sex by her employer in exchange for a raise. The distressing reality is that many women feel they must sacrifice their dignity to survive, often leading to further victimisation.

Local authorities, including Ali Mahamat Sebey, the head official in Adre, have denied allegations of abuse by local police, asserting that officers are prohibited from entering the camps. Sebey acknowledged, however, that the growing number of refugees makes it difficult to ensure the safety of every individual.

In a statement released by government spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah, Chad's government emphasized the need for increased international assistance in combatting terrorism, particularly in the Sahel and Lake Chad basin.

"Determined collective action is essential to eradicate this scourge which threatens the stability and development of the entire region," the statement read.

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has initiated a military operation to track down the attackers, with security forces actively pursuing the assailants.

In solidarity, France's embassy in Chad expressed condolences for the fallen troops and reiterated its commitment to supporting Chad in the fight against terrorism.

In response to the recent attack, the government has declared three days of national mourning, with flags at half-mast and a ban on celebratory activities.

While in Chad, the Duchess travelled to Adré, a town located just 400 metres from the Sudanese border, which is currently receiving approximately 400 new refugees from Sudan every day.

The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has forced nearly 11 million people to flee their homes in search of safety, creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.

During her visit, the Duchess met with humanitarian workers from organisations such as UNICEF and the UNHCR, who are on the frontlines providing aid and support to Sudanese refugees displaced by the ongoing violence. She also spoke with refugees, including women and children, who had recently escaped the conflict in Sudan.

Neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, have been significantly impacted by the refugee crisis. South Sudan alone has seen over 810,000 arrivals since the conflict began, placing immense pressure on its already limited resources.

In the Sabangali district, young people have been tirelessly building makeshift dams for over three weeks, hoping to hold back the surging water s of the Chari and Logone rivers. The water levels reached a record 8.18 meters this week, surpassing the previous record of 8.14 meters set during Chad’s catastrophic floods in 2022.

Shopkeepers and local residents like Nouba Josué and Mahamat Ibrahim have joined forces, using whatever materials they can to reinforce the riverbanks. "We can't just stand by and let the water destroy our homes," said Josué. 

"We’ve been working non-stop, and if the water hasn’t broken through yet, we believe we can hold it off for a while longer," said Ibrahim.

The urgency of their efforts reflects the crisis the country faces, with more than 10 percent of Chad’s population directly impacted by the floods, according to a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The UN has called for swift action to address the climate crisis affecting West and Central Africa, including Chad. Despite the urgent need, only 15 percent of the $129 million required to manage the flooding disaster has been raised.

“I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this remarkable achievement. It is encouraging to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have successfully eliminated at least one NTD. The goal of 100 countries by 2030 is now closer and within reach,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General as quoted by Afrcanews.

Sleeping sickness, or human African trypanosomiasis, initially presents flu-like symptoms but can eventually lead to behaviour changes, confusion, sleep disturbances, coma, and death. Improved access to early diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and response has demonstrated that countries can control and eventually eliminate transmission.

To date, seven countries have been validated by WHO for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis: Togo (2020), Benin (2021), Côte d’Ivoire (2021), Uganda (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2022), Ghana (2023), and Chad (2024). Additionally, the rhodesiense form of the disease has been eliminated as a public health problem in Rwanda, as validated by WHO in 2022.

"The elimination of the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis in Chad reflects our commitment to improving the health of our people. This achievement results from years of dedicated efforts by our health workers, communities, and partners. We will continue this momentum to tackle other neglected tropical diseases and ensure a healthier future for all Chadians," said Hon. Dr. Abdel Modjid Abderahim Mahamat, Minister of Health, Chad.

As of June 2024, 20 countries in the WHO African region have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Notably, Togo has eliminated four diseases, while Benin and Ghana have each eliminated three diseases.

What they said

Succes Masra in a post on social media announcing his appeal of the preliminary result said, “Helped by our lawyers, we today appealed to the Constitutional Council for the truth of the ballot boxes…, we ask you to continue to remain peaceful for the love of our country because the change you want to see cannot take place in a destroyed country. This change is irreversible, it is already here and it will be implemented in one way or another by all the people so that Justice and Equality reign.”

The announcement came amid claims of victory by Prime Minister Masra, who had asserted a "resounding victory" in the first round of voting in a live broadcast on Facebook. Masra's call for mobilisation against what he termed as an attempt by General Déby to "steal the victory from the people" has added a layer of controversy to the election results.

"A small number of individuals believe they can make people believe that the election was won by the same system that has been ruling Chad for decades," he said. "To all Chadians who voted for change, who voted for me, I say: mobilise. Do it calmly, with a spirit of peace."

Chad's journey to this election has been thunderous as the military seized power in recent years. The election further marks the first attempt to restore civilian rule in West and Central African countries where military coups have been prevalent.

Irregularities during the elections

The election process was not without its challenges. Reports of irregularities on polling day and the exclusion of ten politicians from the race due to "irregularities" have raised questions about the fairness of the elections. Moreover, the killing of Yaya Dillo, a cousin of General Déby and a potential opponent, by security forces in February cast a shadow over the electoral process.

Prime Minister Succes Masra , the main challenger to Mahamat Déby has claimed persistent violence and intimidation against him and his supporters. His party, The Transformers reported that their candidate's residence was under illegal drone surveillance while opposition and civil society groups have also accused the government of vote rigging and threats.

There were also reports of ballot box stuffing to favour Mahamat Déby. This was particularly noted by the Coalition of Moral Authorities for Mediation (CONAMM), which includes various societal leaders.

The election was further tainted by violence, including the death of a government soldier who allegedly attempted to stuff ballot boxes and was assaulted by voters. Additionally, a civilian was killed on election day in Moundou following a dispute at a polling station.

Post-election violence

Ahead of the May 6 elections, Crisis Group experts predicted that Chad could experience conflicts after elections. They cited the disqualification of 10 prominent candidates before the elections as a main factor.

"Post-election protests are possible, though the threat of police repression could dissuade many people from taking to the streets," they said.

Yet, amid the celebratory gunfire at a rally held by the junta leader's supporters on Thursday, May 9, numerous individuals sustained injuries. Sources affiliated with Amnesty International suggest that there may have been fatalities as well.

Reuters reported that the capital city, N'Djamena, echoed with gunfire on Thursday night following the state election agency's announcement of Déby's victory.

How Mahamat Déby took over Chad as a military ruler

Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, commonly known as Mahamat Déby, assumed power in Chad after the death of his father who had ruled the country for three decades. The transition of power took place under extraordinary circumstances.

On April 20, 2021, President Idriss Itno Déby was reportedly killed while visiting troops battling rebels in the north of Chad. Immediately after his father's death , Mahamat Déby, who was a four-star general at the time, was named interim president by a military council. This council also dissolved the government and parliament, announcing a transition period of 18 months.

The ascension of Mahamat Déby was met with controversy, as it was seen by many as a coup that bypassed the constitutional provisions for succession. The constitution stipulated that the Speaker of the National Assembly should take over in the event of the president's death but the military council justified their actions by citing security concerns

The international community expressed concern over the military takeover , urging a swift return to civilian rule and respect for the constitutional order Mahamat Déby later ran in the presidential elections, securing his position as the official leader of Chad.

Cocaine seizures have witnessed a surge, skyrocketing from an average of 13 kg annually between 2015 and 2020 to 1,466 kg in 2022, the report titled ‘Drug Trafficking in the Sahel ’ disclosed.

“Drug trafficking is well-established in the Sahel region – with detrimental consequences both locally and globally. Increased drug flows to West Africa and the Sahel undermine peace and stability in the region. This is not only a security issue as armed groups are deriving revenue to finance their operations, it is also a public health issue as criminal groups tap into population growth to expand illicit drug markets,” Amado Philip de Andres, head of UNODC agency’s West and Central Africa regional office is quoted.

While specific figures for 2023 remain undisclosed, mid-year data revealed a significant haul of 2.3 tons of cocaine seized in Mauritania alone, indicating the persistent flow of narcotics through Sahelian territories. 

Corruption and money laundering emerge as significant facilitators of drug trafficking, amplifying the challenges faced in combating this transnational crime. Recent crackdowns have uncovered the involvement of a diverse spectrum of individuals in facilitating drug trafficking, ranging from members of the political elite to community leaders and leaders of armed groups, further underscoring the multifaceted nature of this pressing issue.

The region's geographical position has rendered it a key transit point for the budding cocaine trade originating from South America en route to Europe, where demand for the illicit substance has similarly surged, according to reports . Nigeria has emerged as a crucial transit hub, forging growing connections with drug trafficking syndicates from South and Central America.

Idriss Déby died during the Northern Chad Offensive, a military offensive that was spearheaded by the Chadian rebel group Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) from April 11 to May 9, 2021.

President Idriss came to power after overthrowing the dictator Hissene Habré, after which he set up a multi-party political system and won several elections.

After Mahamat seized power, the country’s elections which were scheduled for 2022 have been postponed till this year.

But voting has begun in Chad and the country’s citizens as well as the rest of the continent and the world await its results.

Voting

Voting began on May 6 with more than 8 million registered voters out of the 18 million population, according to the National Election Management Agency (ANGE). 10 candidates in all including a woman are vying for the presidential position.

The main candidates are the incumbent, Mahamat Idriss Déby who is backed by the ruling party Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), and Succes Masra, a former opposition leader who returned from exile to serve as prime minister in January.

The third person is Albert Pahimi Padacke who served as prime minister from 2016 to 2018 and ran previously against Idriss in elections, emerging second in the most recent in 2021, with 10% of the vote.

The others are Alladoum Djarma Baltazar of the Chadian Socialist Action Party for Renewal, Theophile Bongo Bebzoune, of the Party for the Rally and Equity in Chad, Lydie Beassemda of the Party for Democracy and Independence, Mansiri Lopsekreo of the Elites party, Brice Mbaimon Guedmbaye of the Movemement of Chadian Patriots for the Republic, Yacine Abdermane Sakine of the Reformist Party and Nasra Djimasngar of the New Day Party.

What major candidates are promising

The country’s history of insecurity and instability with attacks from rebel and extremist groups including Boko Haram have prompted emphasis on such areas. The majority of candidates have their campaign focused on improving security in the country.

Mahamat has promised to concentrate on security, strengthen the rule of law, and boost electricity production, while Succes has promised to focus on the grassroots and solve the important issues of Chadians. Albert Pahimi Padacke on his part, hopes to reform justice and improve security in the country.

Why is this important?

Chad’s election is considered the first recent presidential election in the Sahel region. The country, though rich in oil production, has a poor economy with at least 40% of its population living in poverty. Although many say the election is just to ‘formalise’ the operations of incumbent transitional leader General Mahamat Déby, the outcomes are expected to improve relations with foreign countries including France and the United States.

Unlike other junta-led countries, Chad has a good relationship with France, enjoying a large military presence in the country, but the relationship between the U.S. and Chad is expected to improve after the elections.

Institute for Security Studies also projects that the election will set a benchmark for how regional and continental organisations including the AU and Economic Community of Central African States respond to the threat of military leaders taking over governments.

“Chad’s election will test the AU’s resolve to enforce the norms and principles on UCGs outlined in policy instruments such as the Lomé Declaration and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. This holds implications for the AU given its previous pronouncements and communique on the Chadian transition,” the Institute for Security Studies stated.

The way forward

The National Election Management Agency (ANGE) says it has up to May 21 to publish provisional results and only Chad's Constitutional Council has the power to proclaim definitive results. A second vote will be held in June if no candidate emerges the outright winner.

Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Nigeria’s Special Envoy to Chad, praised the patriotism and tolerance of the Chadian people and authorities ahead of the presidential elections on May 6, 2024. He urged the people to maintain peace and handle any complaints through peaceful means. Kingibe also assured continued support from the Lake Chad Basin Commission for the peaceful inauguration of a new democratic constitutional order in Chad, The News Diary reported.

Presidential election

Chad is voting for a new president in an election criticized for not being free or fair, following violence and repression. The current military leader, Mahamat Idriss Deby, is the main contender. Nationwide News reported that critics warn of human rights violations and question the credibility of the election. The country, one of the world's poorest, is eager for change but faces challenges with poverty and insecurity.

Opposition cries foul

Chad's presidential election is marred by accusations of a "dynastic dictatorship" following the ascent of incumbent President Mahamat Idriss Dirstt Itno, son of former President Idriss Déby. Opposition leaders have faced violence and several were disqualified from running. The process has been marred by political repression and doubts about its fairness, The Guardian reported. The election outcome is expected to maintain stability and the status quo in Chad, a key concern for the international community amidst regional security challenges.

Heatwaves and outages

Heatwaves and water shortages in Chad and Mali have exposed the struggle of junta-led countries to provide basic services. Outages and rising temperatures have increased frustration with military authorities, especially as both countries face political uncertainty. Critics say the upcoming presidential vote in Chad is a facade to legitimize the current leader's rule. Reuters indicated that in Mali, electricity outages since the 2020 coup have affected public support for the junta. The lack of basic services has led to excess deaths and raised concerns about the junta's governance.

US withdraw troops

The United States is withdrawing some troops from Chad as part of an ongoing review of security cooperation. Military Africa explained that the move comes after Russia has been providing security assistance in African countries, potentially impacting US counter-terrorism missions in the region. The US is also in discussions with Niger to withdraw over 1,000 American personnel as the political situation in Chad remains unstable.

What they said

Interim president Mahamat Idriss Deby during his campaign in Chad's capital N'Djamena in April said "Today we are at the final turn on the road to constitutional return… You know me, I am a soldier and I hold my promises. We will strengthen internal security to guarantee peace and stability in our country." Junta-installed prime minister, Succes Masra during the declaration of his candidacy in March also said "We are here as candidates to serve the Chadian people, Chadian men and women… Yes, I am a candidate, and we are candidates to become the next leaders of the country."

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, an alarming 46% of workers face daily stress, with nearly equal representation among male and female workers. The persistence of employee stress, even as the region recovers from the pandemic's peak, underlines the need for organisational leaders to address this issue head-on.

Topping the stress list is Chad, where 58% of the country's employees face the highest stress levels daily. The reasons behind this are diverse, including economic challenges, political instability, and limited access to resources that contribute to a high-pressure work environment.

With 57% and 56% respectively, Uganda and Tanzania follow closely behind with their own unique sets of challenges that elevate stress levels among workers. From economic hardships to infrastructural deficits, these nations witness a daily struggle for their working population.

Ghana has also been identified as the fourth most stressful country for workers. Despite its growing economy, 54% of Ghanaian workers struggle with stress daily, which shoots the nation to a prominent position among stress-ridden work environments in Sub-Saharan Africa.

"The majority of the world's employees are quiet quitting. They may be physically present or logged into their computer but they don't know what to do or why it matters. They also don't have any supportive bonds with their coworkers, boss or their organisation," the report indicated.

However, the report highlights the pivotal role of employee engagement in mitigating stress and surpassing the influence of the work environment.

"While the debate over remote, hybrid, or on-site work continues, employee engagement remains paramount in reducing stress levels. The flexibility of remote work offers autonomy and well-being, valued highly by today’s workers," Gallup stated.

General Deby Itno assumed the presidency in 2021 following the death of his father, who had ruled Chad for over thirty years. The decision to bar key opposition figures has raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process in the Sahel country.

Chad's upcoming presidential election will make history as it marks the first time a president and a prime minister will face each other in a presidential poll. Succes Masra, who was once a vocal critic of Chad's military rulers, had fled the country following a crackdown on protests in N'Djamena in October 2022, where dozens were killed.

He returned in November under a reconciliation agreement ensuring his participation in political activities. However, the recent decision to bar opposition candidates, including Masra's rivals, comes amid heightened tensions. Notably, Yaya Dillo Djerou, General Deby's main rival, was shot dead in an army assault on his PSF party headquarters less than a month ago.

The 40-year-old premier declared his intention to run for the presidency in the Central African nation when he announced his candidacy for office at a rally attended by hundreds of supporters from his Transformers party on March 10.

"We are here as candidates to serve the Chadian people, Chadian men and women… Yes, I am a candidate, and we are candidates to become the next leaders of the country," Masra announced.

Chad's interim president General Mahamat Idriss Deby who took over as the transitional president in 2021 announced his plans to run in the long-awaited presidential election on March 2.

General Deby seized power following the death of his father Idriss Déby who had ruled the nation for over 30 years.

His military government promised to hold elections within 18 months but later extended the transition period by two years.

Following a constitutional referendum in December 2023 in favour of a transition to civilian rule, which opposers have argued could hand power back to the Mahamat Idriss Deby junta-led government.

The election agency of the Central African nation announced the dates of the presidential election in February, promising to hold two rounds of voting in May and June with provisional results due on July 7.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Chadians Abroad, Kassiré Isabelle Housna invited diplomats accredited to Chad on March 1, 2024, to discuss issues around an attack on the headquarters of the Socialist Party Without Borders. An attack at the headquarters began on February 27 in the city of N’Djamena which led to the death of political opponent, Yaya Dillo. Housna said the attack on the National State Security Agency symbolizes rebellion. Meanwhile, the Chadian government says it will rely on diplomatic support to uphold the rule of law towards a peaceful end to the transition, Journal du Tchad reports.

Gender-based-violence

Women's organizations, Bébédjia and Koumra from Komé Base organised a mass advocacy ceremony for the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) according to Tchad Infos . This event was part of activities to mark the national week of Chadian women (Senafet). Themed, “Advocacy and fight against gender-based violence for the development of women in the provinces of Mandoul and Logone Oriental”, the program aimed to bring rural women and girls to achieve gender equality, empower and promote the status of rural women and girls in Nya through awareness of gender-based violence and knowledge.

  Elections

Transitional President, Mahamat Idriss Deby has announced his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election. He accepted to be a candidate during the 11 th Extraordinary Congress held by the Patriotic Salvation Movement. It is an honor to be nominated as a candidate in the presidential elections, underlined the candidate of the Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS). “I agree to be a candidate for the coalition for a United Chad,” he was quoted by Le Pays .

President Masra visits Paris

Transitional Prime Minister of Chad Succès Masra visited the capital of France, Paris, for diplomatic meetings. He arrived in the country on March 3 and was received by Ambassador Ahmad Makaila and embassy staff. This meeting is to strengthen bilateral ties between both countries and marks a decisive turning point in the political transition process in Chad, according to Alwihdainfo .

Chad Music Expo

The third edition of Chad Music Expo was launched on February 29, 2024, to celebrate the diversity and musical talent of Chad with focus on the challenges and opportunities that are shaping the future of this industry. The event was launched together with the “Le Viladin” exhibition.  Highlights of this edition will include two concerts which will take place on March 1 and 2 at the French Institute of Chad, Tchadinfos reports.

What they said

The leader of the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF), Yaya Dillo, who reportedly has been killed, was a prominent critic of Chad's transitional president, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. Dillo, while alive denied any connection to the attack that resulted in several casualties. He said, “The desired goal is to prevent me, to physically eliminate me, to make me afraid so that I don't go to the election." The attack occurred a day after the announcement of election dates to possibly restore the country to democratic rule. The government of the Central African nation also said in a statement “that anyone attempting to disrupt the ongoing democratic process in the country will face legal action and be brought to justice.”

He was announced as Prime Minister through a declaration signed on January 1 by Transitional President General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.

Announcing this decision in an interview with Tchad One , Masra said his decision would go a long way to advance educational policies in the country through the provision of scholarships for the brilliant but needy.

According to him, his decision is based on his belief that his position provides him an opportunity to help others.

“I am giving up my salary as Prime Minister which I will devote entirely to a social grant. All work deserves a salary, they say, but I don’t feel like I’m working. I feel I'm on a mission and privileged to serve the Republic. So, 100% of my salary will be devoted to an excellence scholarship and a social scholarship for the 23 provinces,” he was quoted on National Television .

He had left the Sahelian nation along with other opposition leaders after demonstrations held last year to protest military rule were violently repressed.

Masra’s actions have been replicated by a transitional legislator, Bedei Toullomi, who has also pledged 50% of his salary to be donated to orphanages.

Meanwhile, it is not clear how much top government officials in Chad earn.

A referendum on a new constitution held by Chadians on Sunday December 17 was marred by irregularities in certain municipalities of the capital. According to news outlet Le Pays , there was lack of enthusiasm as most voters stayed home. There were however no acts of violence recorded. According to the national commission (Conorec), 2,586 polling stations were expected to be put up in the 10 districts of N’Djamena but there were fewer stations.

Litres of fuel seized

Some 25 litres of fuel has been seized in Balimba, a sub-prefecture of the Moyen-Chari Region located in the South of Chad. The fuel was seized during an operation initiated by the Governor of the Moyen Chari province, Ousmane Brahim Djouma. This forms part of efforts to protect citizens against fraud and financial exploitation linked to the price of fuel in the region. 440 containers of 25 litres and 8 barrels containing fuel were discovered in the backyard of a restaurant called “La Pix” located in Mabrouka in the province of Middle Chari, local news outlet Journal du Tchad reported.

Government appointments

A new Director of Protocol has been appointed for the Prime Minister of Chad, Saleh Kebzabo. The Prime Minister’s office took note of the resignation of Hassana Djidda Abdoulaye and has therefore appointed Djibrine Moussa Mahamat as his replacement. The appointment was announced by the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, December 18, 2023, according to Al Widha .

Bilateral tensions

The Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chadians Abroad and International Cooperation has declared four Sudanese diplomats as persona non-grata. The Ambassador of Sudan to Chad, Osman Mohamed Younis was informed on December 16 of government’s decision, Le Pays reported. The four, Mukhtar Bilal Abdelsalam El-Abass, First Advisor; Abdel-Rahim El-AWAD Eltoum, Military Attaché; El-Hag Abdalla El-Hag Ahmed, Consul in N’Djamena and Mohamed El-Hag Bakhit Farah, Deputy Consul General based in Abeché were asked to leave Chad after controversial remarks by Chief of Staff of the Sudanese Armed Forces General Yasser Al-Atah, accusing Chad of interfering in inter-Sudanese conflict.

Justice preached to Chadians

Bishops of Episcopal Conference of Chat (CET) have urged Christians in the country to walk in justice. Following a plenary assembly organized by the group, they called on the Christian body to be ‘true artisans of justice and peace’. “Living together in our country is often undermined by the lack of justice,” denounced the bishops. For the CET, walking together as one people in justice “requires a culture of equality for all and respect for human rights” they quoted Al Widha .