Chad's forgotten crisis: The Human Cost of Global Indifference

By Ed Wallace,

Idriss Déby, Chad’s formidable leader, ruled with an iron fist for 30 years from 1991 until his sudden premature death aged 68 in 2021. It was an end that came just a day after he celebrated his sixth consecutive successful electoral campaign. His reign was cut short by fatal injuries inflicted by rebel forces in Northern Chad.

Idriss Déby’s rule was a rollercoaster of chaos and defiance, constantly challenged by a wave of insurgencies, including the  Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) and the Military Command Council for the Salvation of the Republic (CCMSR), which rebelled against him in 2016. Yet remarkably, Idriss Déby was able to navigate the treacherous political landscape, holding onto power until his final breath. His death wasn’t just the end of an era; it unleashed a seismic shift in Chad’s political landscape, plunging the nation into a turbulent sea of uncertainty and leaving a power vacuum that altered the course of Chad’s future.

Following his death, Chad came under the control of the Transitional Military Council, a military junta that attempted to govern. Mahamat Déby, the late president’s son, was appointed leader. Controversially, he suspended the constitution, dissolved parliament and promised an 18-month transitional period. 

In May 2024, Mahamat Déby won the first electoral vote in Chad since his father’s death, securing a commanding 61.3% of the ballots cast. 

Chad currently stands at a crossroads, grappling with the relentless spectre of insurgence and mounting scepticism towards Mahamat Déby’s leadership. Since the CCSMR rebellion of 2016, coupled with the brutal attacks from groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa, the toll has been devastating. Approximately 25,000 people have lost their lives in the constant struggle for stability.

However, the true human cost of the turmoil in Chad is reflected in the staggering number of displaced and suffering people. As of 2023, it is estimated around 3 million Chadians have been uprooted and are classified as displaced persons, of which 450,000 have fled to neighbouring countries, such as Sudan and the Central African Republic in search of safety. For those who remain in Chad, life remains perilous and filled with terror and hardship.

The next generation in Chad have also suffered monumental consequences. Over 1,000 schools have closed since 2016, leaving around 3.5 million children at risk of having no education. Food insecurity is rampant, affecting 3.4 million people- roughly a quarter of the population. Alarmingly, reports indicate more than 30% of women and young girls have experienced gender-based violence. Many people are trapped in overcrowded camps where diseases are rife. The constant threat has turned everyday life for the people of Chad into a struggle for survival

Chad’s dire situation and vulnerability should be a clarion call for global organisations to intervene and control the chaos. The UN, which Chad has been a member of since 1960, has provided some levels of support through the work of the World Food Programme and UNHCR. But with political and military turmoil festering since 1990, the elusive dream of peace seems increasingly out of reach. It has become clear that it is the responsibility of global NGOs and other organisations to intervene.

While it’s inaccurate to claim that the UN has turned a blind eye to Chad’s plight, the lack of global awareness of the current situation in Chad means that relief projects have been hampered. The UN provides a steady stream of financial aid in the form of short-term grants, typically ranging from $1 million to $15 million to address critical national emergencies, such as the food crisis. However, as the nation grapples with its ongoing struggles, it is the UN’s responsibility to strengthen and address the humanitarian and political frameworks currently in place. 

The political situations of Chad’s neighbours, such as Sudan and Libya, exacerbate some of the already present issues faced by the government. Sudan is currently in the midst of a civil war which started in 2023 and has caused a huge spillover of refugees, with over 500,000 Sudanese refugees currently situated in Chad.

So, for all the tragedy and upheaval within Chad, why do the Menendez brothers and Madeline McCann flood the front pages? Of course, the drama captivates readers, but geopolitical crises remain under-reported in Western news, especially those in developing countries such as Chad. The reason for this is a combination of three factors; a lack of relatability to the lives of those in the Western World, the difficulty that accompanies reporting in conflicting areas and the lack of “pizzazz” surrounding the situation.

Civil wars, conflicts and natural disasters have dominated the politics of Central African countries for centuries. As of 2024, six of the eleven Central Africa countries are currently at war and five countries are experiencing natural famines. Despite efforts from NGOs, the African Union and the UN, the lack of publicity on these Central African struggles make it difficult for sufficient funds to be raised to improve the situation and restore peace.

Who is to blame for the lack of publicity? Is it the Western newspapers that would rather feed people stories of celebrity gossip and trivial scandals, neglecting the pressing humanitarian crises? Or is it the audience’s insatiable appetite for entertainment over serious news that drives this narrative? Ultimately, it’s a combination of both factors that perpetuates this cycle. The media prioritises content that will generate clicks and views, while audiences often gravitate towards sensationalised stories that require less emotional investment. 

The ongoing violence and instability in Chad have been sidelined for more favourable news and as a result, the general public remains largely uninformed about the dire humanitarian situation. The neglect of the situation not only perpetuates indifference but also hampers efforts to provide much-needed aid. Families, communities and lives have all been shattered and basic needs go unmet, all while the voices of those suffering are drowned out by celebrity gossip and entertainment.