The Republic of Chad Celebrates Independence, August 11, 2023
By Joy Osiagwu
Chad came into being from the significant control of the Sahel region by a few powerful states involved in the trans-Saharan trade areas that made enormous profits from the flourishing slave trade, such as the Kanem-Bornu Empire and the Sudanese warlord, Rabih Az-Zubair in the 9th century.
However, France gradually explored the area in 1880, conquered the Bagirmi Kingdom with a few warlords, and incorporated the region into French Equatorial Africa. But Chad gained Independence on August 11, 1960, and experienced a form of oppression, civil war, and the invasion of Libya. Still, the country defeated the forces in 1987 with the help of the French military and other African nations. The semi-desert country with its capital at N’Djamena has a significant deposit of gold and uranium.
Chad became an oil-producing nation in 2003. With a population of 17 million, the main languages of the people are French and Arabic. Lake Chad is an essential water source for the citizens and millions of people in neighboring countries. However, the lowered water levels have affected these countries negatively in the security, agricultural, and health sectors. Chad’s neighboring countries are Libya, Nigeria, Niger, Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Current governance structure
The governance structure of Chad is a presidential republic. The President is the head of government and head of state, while the government and parliamentarians control the Legislative authority. Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno currently serves as the transitional President of Chad, a position he assumed in April 2022 and was sworn in on October 10, 2022, after the death of his father and former President, Idris Deby who was in power for 30 years.
Trending News
Transitional President Mahamat Idriss Deby has pardoned and released 110 people sentenced to prison due to the deadly demonstrations following his ascension to office in October last year. African news reports that more than 600 young men, including 80 children, were arrested, and sentenced to prison without legal representation in October 2022.
Chad-Ottawa Connection
The bilateral relations between Chad and Canada began in 1962, shortly after Chad gained Independence. Chad opened its first Embassy in Ottawa in February 2015, with a Consulate in Montreal. The Ottawa office is at 350 Sparks St. #802, ON K1R7S8—phone: 613 680 3322.
One of the vibrant Canadians of Chadian Descent in Ottawa is Haoua Inouah, the Manager of Education and Prevention at the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO). She is a human rights advocate representing the interests of people living with HIV/AIDS in Ottawa and the less privileged in the African Caribbean and Black Communities in Ottawa. Her disposition and passion for people have earned her several community awards across Ontario.
