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Country Profile for CHAD |
Risk Rating |
General Information |
Country Map |
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Red (High Risk)
InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are dangerous. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Amber (Moderate Risk) InTouch advice: Some parts of the country are dangerous. Travel with caution. Green (Low Risk) InTouch advice: Most parts of the country are safe. Travel freely. |
Capital: N'Djamena Major Languages: French, Arabic Currency: Central African CFA Franc Timezone: GMT +1:00 |
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Overview
Overview
The security situation in Chad remains fragile following decades of political unrest. General Idriss Deby has been the President of Chad since 1990 following a violent rebellion against the incumbent president, Hissene Habre. Since then there have been a number of attempted coups by rebel groups, the most recent occurring in 2008. Hundreds of civilians were killed in fighting as three rebel groups, supported by neighbouring Sudan, launched an offensive on the capital N’Djamena. The rebel groups were defeated and have been significantly weakened since then; in January, 2010 President Deby and President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan signed a peace deal which stipulated that Sudan would end its support of the Chadian rebels. As a consequence further rebel coup attempts are unlikely in the short-term.
Chad is located in a region of conflict and unrest, with many neighbouring states experiencing serious security problems. Around 260,000 Sudanese refugees are currently living in camps in eastern Chad, and although the Joint Border Force between Chad and Sudan has improved security in the region, incidents of banditry and violent crime still occur. The recent conflict in Libya spilled over into northern Chad and unexploded devices are particularly prevalent close to the border, notably beyond the town of Faya Largeau. All non-essential travel to the borders with Libya, Nigeria, Niger, the Central African Republic and Sudan should be avoided wherever possible.
There is a moderate threat of kidnapping in Chad, and a number of foreign nationals have been abducted in recent years. In June, 2010 a European aid worker with Oxfam was kidnapped in Abeche in eastern Chad. There is also an elevated threat of kidnapping along the eastern border with the Darfur region of Sudan. In March, 2012 the US Department of State issued a travel warning for all border regions of Chad, citing an elevated risk of carjacking and kidnapping in these areas.
Alerts
Alert for Chad
Security forces foil attempted coup - 2 May 2013:
Security forces in Chad claim to have foiled an attempted coup, according to a government spokesman. A number of people have been arrested in relation to the alleged plot, including opposition lawmaker Saleh Makki.
Chad announces troop withdrawal - 15 April 2013:
Chad's President Idriss Deby has announced that his countries troops will withdraw from the ongoing military operations in Mali. Mr Deby, who made the announcement shortly after three Chadian soldiers died in a suicide attack in Mali, said the troops were not equipped to fight a "shadowy, guerrilla-style war".
Thousands flee to Chad after tribal clashes in Darfur - 12 April 2013:
Around 50,000 people have fled across the border into Chad following renewed tribal conflict in the restive Darfur region of Sudan. A UNHCR spokesman said the refugees have reported that their houses and villages were destroyed in the fighting.
Chadian rebel issues threat to government - 22 March 2013:
Chadian rebel leader Timane Erdimi has issued a warning to President Idriss Derby's government, saying his fighters were "tired of waiting" for peace negotiations to resume. He said that, after two years of waiting, the rebels had no other option than to resume fighting.
Meningitis, measles, cholera epidemic kills over 100 in Chad - 05 April 2011:
An epidemic of meningitis, measles and cholera has killed over 100 people in the southern areas of the country. Accoding to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) 109 people have died and 2,300 cases of meningococcal meningitis have been recorded.
Data
Chad Data Sheet
Population: 10.3 million
Major Religion/s: : Islam, Christianity
International dialling code: +235
International dialling prefix: 15
Emergency services: None currently in operation
Drives: Right
Voltage: 220V
Climate: Tropical
Other Major Cities: Moundou
Borders: Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger
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