Chad

Chad is a landlocked country in central Africa with more than 13 million residents. About 40 percent of the population in Chad lives below the poverty line despite the fact that the country is oil-rich. Chad is rated at 37 in the world for crude oil exports. Chad’s government plans to diversify and develop a formal economy and increase exports of its valued products by 2030.

Since independence in 1960, Chad faced recurrent violent conflict and political instability, which have hindered the emergence of strong State institutions and democratic governance in the country. Moreover, successive military coups have contributed to a culture of violence still prevailing in the country. The lack of political stability and insecurity have also seriously hampered economic development, despite prospects of high revenues from the new oil industry.

There have been numerous rebel groups in Chad throughout the last few decades. Chadian president Idriss Deby faces armed opposition from groups who are deeply divided by leadership clashes but united in their intention to overthrow him. Deby relies on the French to help repel the rebels, and France gives the Chadian army logistical and intelligence support for fear of a complete collapse of regional stability.