Financial Crime World

CHAD: TWO YEARS UNDER MILITARY RULE, CORRUPTION AND FINANCIAL CRIME PERSIST

Uncertain Future Ahead for Chad

As Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno marks two years as head of the Transitional Military Council (CMT), Chad’s political and economic landscape remains shrouded in uncertainty. Despite promises of democratic reforms and economic development, the country is plagued by corruption, financial crime, and human rights abuses.

Failure to Deliver

The CMT, established in 2021, has failed to deliver on its promises. Instead, it has become notorious for its brutal suppression of dissent, extrajudicial killings, and embezzlement of public funds. Corruption is rampant at all levels of government, with officials accused of siphoning off millions of dollars in aid money meant for the poor and vulnerable.

Humanitarian Crisis

The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan, which has driven hundreds of thousands of refugees into eastern Chad. The host community is struggling to cope with the influx, with millions in need of humanitarian assistance. Chad’s poverty rate stands at a staggering 42%, with over 37% of children under five suffering from malnutrition.

Unjust Justice

International justice remains elusive for victims of former President Hissène Habré’s regime, which was marked by crimes against humanity, war crimes, and torture. Despite a court ruling ordering compensation and the creation of a monument to honor those killed under his rule, the Chadian government has failed to comply.

Arms Embargo Violation

In a related development, the United Arab Emirates has been accused of violating a UN arms embargo by sending weapons to the Rapid Support Forces militia in Darfur via an airstrip in eastern Chad. The move has raised concerns about the spread of conflict and instability in the region.

A Bleak Future

Chad’s future looks bleak under Mahamat Déby’s leadership. The country needs urgent political and economic reforms, as well as international pressure on its leaders to end corruption and financial crime. Until then, the people of Chad will continue to suffer under military rule.

KEY QUOTES

  • “We need democratic reforms and economic development, not more of the same old story.” - Opposition leader
  • “The government is corrupt, and we are all suffering as a result.” - Citizen
  • “We will do everything in our power to ensure justice for victims of Habré’s regime.” - International rights group

KEY STATISTICS

  • 42%: Poverty rate in Chad
  • 37%: Malnutrition rate among children under five
  • $16 million: Amount allocated by the Chadian government to compensate victims of Habré-era abuses (although not disbursed)
  • $5 million: Amount allocated by the African Union to a trust fund for victims of Habré’s regime (yet to begin work)

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

• The CMT has failed to deliver on its promises of democratic reforms and economic development • Corruption is rampant at all levels of government, with officials accused of embezzling public funds • The conflict in neighboring Sudan has driven hundreds of thousands of refugees into eastern Chad • International justice remains elusive for victims of former President Hissène Habré’s regime • The United Arab Emirates has been accused of violating a UN arms embargo by sending weapons to the Rapid Support Forces militia in Darfur via an airstrip in eastern Chad