Research Library: Chad
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Last Updated Apr 10, 2009
Country Information
Government
- Chad is a republic with a president and a prime minister. The president is elected to serve a five-year term and must win 50% or more of the popular vote. If this is not achieved, the top two candidates compete in a runoff election. The prime minister is appointed by the president. The unicameral National Assembly is comprised of 155 seats. Representatives are elected by popular vote. The 1996 constitution called for the forming of a senate however, the government has not formed one.
- President Lt. Gen. Idriss Deby Itno has been president since December 4, 1990 due to a national referendum which removed the presidential term limit. Opposition parties accuse the president of corruption and reject the 2006 election results. Deby was almost over thrown in 2006 during an attack on the capital by rebels. Youssof Saleh Abbas is the prime minister. 110 of the 155 seats in the National Assembly are held by the Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), which is President Deby¿s party.
Political Stability
- After gaining independence in 1960, Chad suffered from 30 years of civil war. In 1990, President Deby overthrew Hissen Habre and restored the government. He entered into negotiations with the World Bank and IMF to carry out economic reforms. Fighting between the government and rebels in the north began in 1998 and occasional fighting continues despite peace agreements.
- Chad negotiated peace agreements with rebel groups in western Sudan in 2005 however, attacks in eastern Chad continue. Governmental power has remained in the hands of the ethnic minority causing tension within Chad. Rebel campaigns occurred in 2006, 2007 and the capital came under rebel attack again in early 2008.
Current Government Policies
- The government has been working on improving the economy. A number of structural reforms have been implemented since 1995. The government has privatized many of the state enterprises and is improving governmental finances. The government has started to liberalize the key economic sectors including the telecommunication, cotton and energy sectors.
International Reputation
- Chad maintains relations with France and many western countries. Chad is working with the US to counter terrorism. Libya provides aid to Chad despite their strained relationship. Libya helped negotiate a peace agreement between Sudan and Chad in 2008 restoring diplomatic relations; however, the agreement fell apart in 2009 when Sudan and Chad accused each other of supporting rebel groups in the other¿s country. Chad has received 250,000 Sudanese refugees.
Economics
- Chad¿s landlocked position, high energy costs and instability has stunted its economy. Chad relies heavily on foreign assistance and capital. About 80% of the Chadians¿ livelihood depends on subsistence agriculture and raising livestock. Livestock, cotton, and oil are Chad¿s major exports. Oil exploration began in 2000 led by a coalition of US oil companies with funding assistance from the World Bank. The growing oil industry has attracted foreign investment, leading to some economic growth.
- In 2006, after disagreeing about amendments to the management law, the World Bank and Chadian government agreed to use a percentage of oil revenues to fight poverty. However, President Deby declared a state of emergency and seized all oil revenues after rebels attacked the capital. The World Bank suspended their oil pipeline project because of Deby¿s actions and has since stated they will not finance any projects in the oil sector.
Foreign Aid
Statistics
Click on statistic name for source information.
Web Resources
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