Chad’s Struggle Against Corruption: A Mixed Bag of Successes and Setbacks

Introduction

In a country plagued by corruption, Chad has made efforts to combat the scourge through various initiatives. The Ministry of Morality and Good Governance, led by President Idriss Déby, has implemented strategies to increase transparency and purge corrupt officials from the government.

Early Efforts

In 2009, the ministry launched a strategic plan to tackle corruption, coinciding with an investigation into 10 high-ranking government officials, including the then-mayor of N’Djamena and several cabinet ministers. However, the charges against them were dropped in 2010 due to lack of evidence.

Operation Cobra

Two years later, the Chadian government launched Operation Cobra, aimed at increasing transparency and dismissing corrupt officials. The operation resulted in the dismissal of over 400 officials and the recovery of XAF 25 billion (approximately €38 million).

Criticism and Challenges

Despite these efforts, international organizations have criticized Chad’s anti-corruption initiatives as politically motivated and used to eliminate political opposition. The Bertelsmann Transformation Index and the US Department of State have raised concerns that the government’s actions are aimed at silencing dissent rather than genuinely addressing corruption.

Protests and Calls for Transparency

In recent years, protests against President Déby’s authoritarian rule and corruption have gained momentum in N’Djamena. Starting in 2014, protesters have demanded greater transparency and accountability from the government. However, as of 2020, these efforts have yet to yield significant results.

Ongoing Challenges

The struggle against corruption remains an ongoing challenge for Chad. While some progress has been made, the country still ranks poorly on international indices that measure corruption. In the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Chad scored a dismal 16 out of 100 in 2023, indicating widespread corruption and a lack of trust in government institutions.

Conclusion

As the Chadian government continues to grapple with corruption, it remains to be seen whether its efforts will yield lasting results or simply serve as a means to maintain power.