Chad Country Report

Overall, Chad has experienced improved stability over the past decade, amid increased investment in security resources and a peace deal with Sudan to cease the sponsoring of insurgent groups operating across the two countries' borders. However, the death of longtime president Idriss Deby in April 2021 has significantly destabilized the country's political system. Deby's son has taken power under the guise of a transitional military council, suspending the constitution in the process. The new junta has faced numerous large-scale protests from Chadian civil society and opposition groups. However, France (Chad's main security partner) continues to back the junta.

Elsewhere, the security environment in the country's western and southern border regions remains precarious due to instability in northern Nigeria and the Central African Republic (CAR), as well as the presence of armed bandits and rebel groups. The influx of refugees has also strained resources in these areas. While President Idriss Deby was long been able to maintain his hold on power by effectively using the country's oil revenues to garner support, lower oil prices have undermined public finances in recent years and led to austerity measures, sparking occasional protests and strikes that may increase pressure on the new government in the months ahead.

The deteriorating economic conditions have also drawn attention to widespread corruption and poor governance, long seen as obstacles to foreign investment. Chad's basic infrastructure is also a significant impediment to the business environment, with other long-term challenges including the prevalence of serious health and natural hazards, and dangerous overland travel conditions. Crime also poses a serious threat across the country, especially in border regions. Chad's involvement in military operations against terrorist groups in the region has made it the target of extremists, and the country remains vulnerable to further attacks.

The threat from armed groups to Chad's government has receded somewhat since 2009, although border regions remain susceptible to spill-over from conflicts and instability in neighboring countries. Crime is also a serious concern in N'Djamena and other major towns and cities, as well as in remote areas and on the country's highways. Civil and labor unrest over socio-economic conditions occur intermittently in the major population centers.

Chad faces a pronounced threat from regional terrorist organizations and has experienced a number of attacks in recent years linked to the Nigeria-based Boko Haram group. However, the terrorism threat has been heavily focused in border areas and the country's main urban centers generally face a lower risk of attacks.

Overland travel presents a high risk in Chad due to the presence of multiple man-made and natural hazards. Poor infrastructural development also hinders access to electricity, fuel supplies and communications networks.

Chad's climate varies on latitude, with a desert climate in the north, semi-arid in the center, and tropical wet in the south. Torrential downpours during the May-October rainy season can affect overland travel in central and southern Chad. Dusty winds can also affect visibility during the dry season and extreme temperatures can cause health problems for some travelers.

Chad is susceptible to outbreaks of several serious diseases, including yellow fever, polio, and malaria. Vaccines before travel are also required, for example, for yellow fever. Medical care is limited in N’Djamena and difficult to find outside the major cities, with serious conditions or injuries likely to necessitate evacuation to a country with more advanced facilities. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking.

Deby's death on April 20, 2021, has reshuffled the political landscape. Deby's son took control of a transitional government that will rule the country during the 18-month transitional period.

Deteriorating economic conditions in recent years had increased pressure on the regime. Corruption remains a significant concern in Chad, and efforts to address the problem have had limited success. The judicial system is subject to political interference, and police are generally ineffective.