Passive smoking in n’djamena: a persistent gap between law and reality

Despite robust anti-smoking legislation enacted more than a decade and a half ago, the practice of smoking in public spaces remains widespread and largely unpunished across Chad, particularly within the capital city, N’Djamena.

A brief stroll through N’Djamena’s bustling districts immediately highlights the stark contrast between legal mandates and daily realities. At vibrant marketplaces such as the Central Market or Dembé, both merchants and shoppers openly light up, their cigarette smoke mingling indiscriminately with the ambient dust and aromatic food scents.

« We’ve grown accustomed to the omnipresent cigarette smoke here; it’s a daily inhalation for us, » lamented Pélagie, a fish vendor. « Resolutions have been passed, yet no one seems to adhere to them. It’s genuinely intolerable. »

Christian added, « Other nations designate specific smoking zones, but regrettably, in Chad, everyone is mixed together. Even within educational institutions and medical facilities, individuals continue to smoke. The government absolutely needs to fulfill its obligations. »

Countless other Chadians similarly find themselves involuntarily exposed to second-hand smoke in various settings, from lively bars and restaurants to public taxis. One individual, who prefers to remain unnamed, explained, « I suffer from asthma and severe allergies to both cigarette and shisha smoke. This is precisely why I’ve stopped visiting restaurants; compliance with non-smoking regulations is simply nonexistent. »

The health implications of passive smoking are grave, subjecting non-smokers to elevated risks of various cancers, cardiovascular ailments, and chronic respiratory conditions. Children and expectant mothers face particular susceptibility. Beyond health concerns, the environmental impact is also significant, with discarded cigarette butts littering urban landscapes and posing a tangible fire hazard.

Specifically, Law N° 010/PR/2010, enacted on June 10, 2010, explicitly bans smoking across all public venues, enclosed professional environments, and public transportation systems. This comprehensive legislation also extends protections to pregnant women and minors, outlining clear penalties for non-compliance.

Subsequent implementation decrees, such as Decree N° 1522/PR/MSP/2019, further elaborated on the enforcement mechanisms. Both the Ministry of Public Health and the N’Djamena city council have launched public awareness campaigns, and an anti-tobacco brigade was even established. Nevertheless, more than a decade on, the effective enforcement of this crucial law continues to be one of Chad’s most formidable challenges.