Country Scores

Political Rights: 7
Civil Liberties: 6
Status: Not Free
Population: 9,700,000
Capital: Minsk


2008 Key Developments: In early February 2008, a coalition of three rebel groups attacked the capital, prompting the government to impose a state of emergency and arrest top opposition politicians. Clashes broke out again in eastern Chad in April, June, and August, and tensions remained high at year's end. The insecurity forced many humanitarian organizations to cease operations, and as many as 180,000 Chadians were internally displaced during the year. Chad was also home to some 250,000 refugees from Sudan and 50,000 from the Central African Republic.

Political Rights: Chad is not an electoral democracy. The country has never experienced a free and fair transfer of power through elections. A 2005 constitutional amendment abolished presidential term limits. Many opposition members boycotted the last presidential election held in 2006, which was reportedly marred by irregularities, and voter turnout may have been as low as 10 percent in some areas. The executive branch dominates the judicial and legislative branches, and the president appoints the prime minister. Despite rivalries within President Idriss Deby's northeastern Zaghawa ethnic group, members of that and other northern ethnic groups continue to control Chad's political and economic levers, causing resentment among the country's more than 200 other ethnic groups. Corruption is rampant within Deby's inner circle.

Civil Liberties: Freedom of expression is severely restricted, and self-censorship is common. In response to the 2008 coup attempt, the government imposed a new press law that increased the penalty for false news, defamation, and insulting the president. Broadcast media are controlled by the state. There are no restrictions on internet access, but the government reportedly monitors online communications, and less than 1 percent of the population had access to this resource in 2007.Although Chad is a secular state, religion is a divisive force. Muslims, who make up slightly more than half of the population, hold a disproportionately large number of senior government posts, and some policies favor Islam in practice. Nevertheless, the government bans groups whose messages could lead to social tension. The government does not restrict academic freedom. Despite the constitutional guarantee of free assembly, the authorities ban demonstrations by groups thought to be critical of the government. Insecurity in the east and south severely hindered the activities of humanitarian organizations in 2008. The constitution guarantees the rights to strike and unionize, which are generally respected in practice. The rule of law and the judicial system remain weak, with courts heavily influenced by Deby and his inner circle. Human rights groups credibly accuse the security forces and rebel groups of killing and torturing with impunity. The government restricts the movement of citizens within the country, a practice that has increased in tandem with the civil conflicts. The army and its paramilitary forces, as well as rebel forces, have recruited child soldiers. Chadian women face widespread discrimination and violence.

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.