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Goldfields Serve as Key Logistical Hubs Amidst Violence and Illicit Activity in Chad

N’DJAMENA, CHAD - The goldmining activities in northern Chad have long been a source of controversy, with reports of high levels of violence and illicit activity plaguing the region. Despite being largely illicit, these operations provide crucial employment opportunities for many locals, where alternative livelihoods are scarce.

However, the goldfields have become a hotbed of criminal activity, with armed groups and military forces clashing to control the lucrative trade. Fuel smuggling has also become a major issue in northern Chad, as smugglers seek to supply the mining areas.

Illicit Drug Trade

While heroin trafficking is considered minimal in Chad, the country still plays a significant role as a transit point for drugs. Cocaine trafficking, on the other hand, is more prevalent and has been linked to armed groups operating in the east and south of the country.

These groups use the profits from illegal activities to fund their operations, further exacerbating the cycle of violence and instability. Efforts by authorities to crack down on these criminal networks have been hampered by corruption and a lack of resources.

Government Transparency and Accountability

Under President Idriss Dèby’s leadership, Chad was perceived as having one of the highest levels of corruption in the world. The government’s limited transparency has made it difficult for oversight mechanisms to function effectively, allowing organized crime to thrive.

The recent transition to a Transitional Military Council, led by Dèby’s son Mahamat Idriss Dèby, has done little to address these issues. While some military officials have been held accountable for drug trafficking activities, the overall lack of accountability remains a major concern.

International Cooperation and Domestic Challenges

Despite these challenges, Chad has demonstrated its commitment to international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime. The country has worked closely with organizations such as the European Union, France, and the United States to combat terrorism and organized crime in the Sahel region.

Domestically, however, implementation of anti-organized crime laws remains a challenge. Traditional practices have given legitimacy to certain activities, such as labor trafficking, making it difficult for authorities to effectively address these issues.

Criminal Justice and Security

The country’s criminal justice system lacks specialized units dedicated to combating organized crime. Law enforcement efforts are often hampered by the weak presence of the state in certain areas, where traditional religious laws take precedence.

Special task forces have been created to address specific crimes, but the lack of resources and corruption continues to hinder their effectiveness. The country’s territorial integrity remains generally stable, but vast areas remain outside government control, allowing criminal markets to flourish.

Economic and Financial Environment

Conducting business in Chad is extremely difficult due to the weak economic regulatory capacity. The country has passed laws against money laundering and terrorist financing, but progress in correlation between economic regulation and the fight against organized crime remains limited.

Victim support in Chad remains limited and focused on key geographic areas. While some civil society groups have attempted to address these issues, their efforts are often geographically limited. Preventive measures against organized crime continue to be weak, with no functional system in place to support victims of crime.

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