Chad Steps Up Security Measures to Combat Armed Groups

In a bid to tackle the growing threat of armed groups in Chad, the government has taken decisive steps to strengthen security measures in the country.

Background

Following the death of President Idriss Déby in April 2021, who was allegedly killed while leading troops against the Front for Change and Concord in Chad, the army suspended the Constitution, dissolved parliament and the government, and placed Déby’s son, Mahamat Idriss Déby, at the helm of a Transitional Military Council.

Security Measures

Since then, security has remained a top priority for the state, with efforts focused on combating armed politico-military opposition and securing access to artisanal gold mining areas. The government has established extensive relationships with international organizations to combat transnational organized crime (TOC) and terrorism in the Sahel region.

Domestic Efforts

Domestically, while Chad has some legal frameworks to counter organized crime, implementation remains a challenge. Traditional practices in certain areas of the country give legitimacy to certain activities, such as labor trafficking. The government has created special task forces with specific geographical or thematic focuses to address criminality, although the country still lacks specialized organized crime law enforcement units.

International Cooperation

Chad is also a major proponent of the G5 Sahel alliance and has been essential to UN peacekeeping missions, particularly in Mali. The country has worked with international organizations to support victims of human trafficking, but no significant updates have been registered in recent years.

Challenges

Despite these efforts, Chad’s territorial integrity remains fragile, with vast areas in the north and far north remaining partially or totally beyond the control of the central government. Criminal markets continue to flourish in these areas. The economic regulatory capacity of Chad remains weak, making it difficult for businesses to operate in the country.

Limitations

Victim and witness support in Chad is limited and focused on key geographic areas. While some civil society groups have tried to be proactive in addressing organized crime, their efforts remain geographically limited. Preventive measures against organized crime continue to be weak, and those tools and mechanisms that do exist are neither effective nor productive.

Conclusion

Despite these challenges, Chad remains an essential partner for the EU, France, and the US in their fight against terrorism and organized crime in the wider region. While there is still much work to be done, the government’s efforts to strengthen security measures and combat armed groups are a positive step towards addressing the country’s security concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Chad has taken steps to strengthen security measures in response to growing threats from armed groups
• The government has established relationships with international organizations to combat TOC and terrorism
• Domestic efforts to counter organized crime face implementation challenges
• International cooperation remains essential for addressing transnational criminal networks
• Challenges persist, including weak economic regulatory capacity and limited victim support mechanisms