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

In the northern regions of Chad, goldmining activities have become a crucial source of employment for many locals, despite being largely illicit. However, these operations are often linked to high levels of violence and criminal activity.

The Goldfields as Logistical Hubs

The goldfields serve as key logistical hubs, with fuel smuggling also prevalent in the region to supply mining areas. This has led to recurrent clashes between local armed groups and military forces vying for control over these strategic areas.

Artisanal Miners’ Reliance on Tramadol

Despite the challenges, artisanal miners in the informal gold mining sector continue to rely on Tramadol, a pharmaceutical opioid, to increase productivity and suppress hunger. The non-medical use of such drugs has triggered new health threats in recent years, reaching crisis levels.

Drug Trafficking Remains Widespread

Chad is considered a transit country for heroin, although the overall level of trafficking is deemed minimal. However, drug trafficking remains a significant concern, with many locals and armed groups involved in the illegal trade.

The country has also seen an increase in the production and trafficking of counterfeit fuel and alcohol, further exacerbating the problem.
Corruption remains rampant, with public administrations showing little response or responsibility for the extent of transnational organized crime.

Limited Government Transparency and Accountability

Following the death of President Idriss Dèby in April 2021, the army suspended the Constitution, dissolved parliament and the government, and placed his son at the helm of a Transitional Military Council. This has led to limited transparency and accountability within the government.

Corruption remains rampant, with public administrations showing little response or responsibility for the extent of transnational organized crime.
Some military officers have been tried, imprisoned, and fined for their involvement in drug-trafficking activities.

International Cooperation and Domestic Challenges

Chad has indicated its willingness to promote international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime, with extensive relationships with various international organizations.

Domestically, while Chad has some legal frameworks to counter organized crime, implementation remains a significant challenge.
Traditional practices also give legitimacy to certain activities, such as labor trafficking, making it difficult to combat these issues effectively.

Economic and Financial Environment Remains Weak

Chad’s economic regulatory capacity remains weak, with no significant progress in the correlation between economic regulation and the fight against organized crime.

Conducting business within Chad is extremely difficult due to its weak economic regulatory capacity.
The country has passed laws against money laundering and terrorist financing, but more needs to be done to address these issues effectively.

Victim and witness support in Chad remains limited and focused on key geographic areas. While some civil society groups have tried to be proactive in preventing organized crime, their actions remain geographically limited.

The government has worked with international organizations to support victims of human trafficking, but there is no functional system that legally supports the victims.
Preventive measures against organized crime continue to be weak and ineffective.