The Republic of Chad, a large and historically significant landlocked country, is strategically positioned at the crossroads of North and Central Africa. Its diverse landscapes and rich history have shaped a nation bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon to the southwest, Nigeria to the southwest (specifically at the iconic Lake Chad), and Niger to the west. With a population of around 16 million people, Chad's vibrant capital and largest city, N'Djamena, is home to approximately 1.6 million residents, serving as the nation's political and economic heart.

Geographically, Chad is a land of striking contrasts. The northern reaches are dominated by a vast desert zone, giving way to an arid Sahelian belt across the center of the country. Further south, the landscape transforms into a more fertile Sudanian Savanna zone, rich with vegetation. Perhaps its most famous natural feature, Lake Chad, after which the country is named, stands as the second-largest wetland in all of Africa, a vital ecosystem and a historical focal point for the region.

Culturally, Chad is a tapestry woven from over 200 different ethnic and linguistic groups, reflecting a deep and ancient heritage. Its official languages, Arabic and French, underscore the country's historical ties and diverse influences. Religion plays a significant role in daily life, with Islam being practiced by 51.8% of the population and Christianity by 44.1%.

A Journey Through Chad's History and Political Landscape

Chad's story stretches back millennia, with human populations migrating into the Chadian basin in great numbers as early as the 7th millennium BC. By the close of the 1st millennium AD, a succession of powerful states and empires had emerged and then receded within Chad's Sahelian strip. These formidable entities were primarily focused on controlling the lucrative trans-Saharan trade routes that crisscrossed the region, a testament to Chad's historical importance as a commercial and cultural bridge.

The modern era brought European influence, with France ultimately conquering the territory by 1920 and incorporating it into French Equatorial Africa. The path to independence was paved in 1960, under the leadership of François Tombalbaye. However, resentment towards his policies, particularly in the Muslim north, tragically escalated into a prolonged civil war that erupted in 1965. This conflict saw the rebels eventually conquering the capital in 1979, bringing an end to the South's previous hegemony.

A period of internal strife followed, with rebel commanders battling amongst themselves until Hissène Habré emerged victorious, defeating his rivals. The late 1970s also marked the beginning of the Chadian–Libyan conflict, sparked by a Libyan invasion in 1978. This conflict persisted until 1987, ultimately concluding with a decisive French military intervention known as Operation Épervier.

In 1990, Hissène Habré was himself overthrown by his general, Idriss Déby. With crucial French support, a modernization program for the Chad National Army was initiated in 1991. The early 21st century brought new challenges, as the devastating Darfur crisis in neighboring Sudan spilled over the border from 2003 onwards, further destabilizing the already fragile nation. Chad, a country grappling with significant poverty, bravely struggled to accommodate hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees who sought sanctuary in and around camps in eastern Chad, an enduring humanitarian challenge.

Modern Chad: Challenges and Legacy of Idriss Déby

For nearly three decades, Chad's political power was consolidated under the firm grip of the Patriotic Salvation Movement, led by President Idriss Déby. While many political parties formally participated in the National Assembly, the legislature largely operated within an environment described by various international sources as authoritarian. Idriss Déby, a prominent Chadian politician and military officer, served as president from 1990 until his dramatic death in 2021.

Born on June 18, 1952, Déby was a member of the Bidayat clan of the Zaghawa ethnic group. His ascent to power began with a successful coup d'état against President Hissène Habré in December 1990. Throughout his rule, Déby skillfully navigated numerous rebellions and coup attempts against his government, maintaining his position through a series of electoral victories in 1996, 2001, and, after term limits were controversially eliminated, again in 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021. In January 2006, he notably added "Itno" to his surname. Déby had also been a graduate of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's World Revolutionary Center in Libya, an intriguing detail in his background.

Under Déby's long tenure, Chad experienced what many observers termed democratic backsliding and pervasive corruption, characterized by cronyism, embezzlement, and a deeply entrenched patronage system. Opposition to his rule coalesced, leading to the establishment of groups like the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) in 2016, with the explicit aim of overthrowing his government.

The Northern Chad offensive, initiated by FACT in April 2021, marked a pivotal moment. Tragically, President Déby was injured on April 19 while bravely commanding troops on the frontline fighting the militants, succumbing to his injuries and dying on April 20, 2021. Following his death, a Transitional Military Council, led by his son Mahamat Déby, assumed control of the government, dissolving the National Assembly. This transition highlighted the ongoing political instability that continues to plague Chad, a nation frequently affected by political violence and recurrent attempted coups d'état.

Chad remains categorized as a least developed country, consistently ranking among the lowest in the Human Development Index. It is widely considered one of the poorest and most corrupt countries globally, with the majority of its inhabitants living in poverty, relying on subsistence herding and farming. However, since 2003, crude oil has dramatically reshaped the nation's economy, becoming the primary source of export earnings and largely superseding the traditional cotton industry. Despite this economic shift, Chad faces severe human rights challenges, including a poor record marked by frequent abuses such as arbitrary imprisonment, extrajudicial killings, and limitations on civil liberties, perpetrated by both security forces and armed militias.

FAQs About Chad and Idriss Déby

Where is Chad located?

Chad is a landlocked country situated at the crossroads of North and Central Africa, sharing borders with Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger.

What are Chad's official languages?

The Republic of Chad has two official languages: Arabic and French, reflecting its diverse cultural influences and historical connections.

What is the capital and largest city of Chad?

N'Djamena serves as both the capital and the largest city of Chad, home to approximately 1.6 million people.

What is Lake Chad known for?

Lake Chad, from which the country gets its name, is the second-largest wetland in Africa and a significant natural landmark for the region.

Who was Idriss Déby Itno?

Idriss Déby Itno was a Chadian politician and military officer who served as the president of Chad from 1990 until his death in April 2021, having come to power through a coup d'état.

What were some of the challenges Chad faced during Idriss Déby's rule?

During Déby's three decades in office, Chad experienced democratic backsliding, widespread corruption (including cronyism and embezzlement), and a deeply entrenched patronage system. The nation also grappled with ongoing civil unrest, external conflicts, and a significant refugee crisis stemming from the Darfur conflict.

How did Chad's economy change in the 21st century?

Since 2003, crude oil has become Chad's primary source of export earnings, significantly overshadowing its traditional cotton industry and altering the country's economic landscape.