Chad
In early 2026, Chad’s human rights landscape is marked by the consolidation of dynastic authoritarian rule and a massive humanitarian emergency driven by regional conflict and climate change. Following the transition from a military junta to "civilian" rule, many observers argue that the underlying repressive structures have only strengthened.
1. Consolidation of Authoritarian Rule
The political environment is dominated by the transition from the late Idriss Déby to his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby.
Constitutional "Coup": In October 2025, the Chadian parliament approved sweeping amendments that abolished presidential term limits and extended the presidential mandate from five to seven years. Critics argue this allows President Déby to rule indefinitely.
Suppression of Opposition: The political space has largely collapsed. In February 2024, opposition leader Yaya Dillo was killed during a security force raid. In 2025 and 2026, many remaining dissidents have faced arrest, with some receiving long prison sentences or having their citizenship revoked by decree (e.g., activists like Makaila Nguebla).
2. The Refugee Crisis and Sudan Fallout
Chad is currently hosting one of the largest refugee populations in the world, primarily due to the ongoing war in Sudan.
Massive Influx: As of early 2026, over 1.2 million people fleeing Sudan have entered eastern Chad. This has overwhelmed local infrastructure, leading to severe shortages of water, food, and medical supplies in provinces like Ouaddaï.
Resource Conflict: The influx has exacerbated tensions between refugees and host communities over scarce land and water, leading to localized skirmishes and protection risks for women and children in spontaneous camps.
3. Intercommunal Violence and Climate Change
Violent clashes between herders and farmers in the southern provinces have surged, driven by environmental degradation.
Herders vs. Farmers: Shrinking grazing land due to climate change has forced herders further south, leading to deadly cycles of revenge killings. Amnesty International reports that hundreds were killed or injured in these clashes throughout 2025.
State Inaction and Impunity: Security forces are frequently accused of responding too slowly or showing bias toward certain groups. Very few perpetrators of these massacres have been brought to justice, fueling a sense of lawlessness.
4. Restrictions on Expression and Assembly
Civic space in N'Djamena and other urban centers is heavily restricted.
Media Crackdown: In late 2025 and early 2026, the High Authority for Media and Broadcasting suspended dozens of outlets and prohibited "interactive" radio programs that allowed citizens to call in and criticize the government.
Violence Against Protesters: The memory of the "Black Thursday" (October 2022) massacre, where security forces killed scores of protesters, continues to have a chilling effect. Unauthorized gatherings are routinely dispersed with tear gas and live ammunition.
5. Labor and Exploitation in the North
Gold Mining and Forced Labor: Northern Chad remains a "wild west" for illicit gold mining. Reports from late 2025 highlight the prevalence of forced labor and human trafficking within these mines, where men and boys are often trapped in debt bondage under the control of local militias or foreign criminal networks.
Child Rights: UN agencies note that children are particularly vulnerable to recruitment by non-state armed groups in the Lake Chad region, where Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa remnants continue to operate.