Tchad governance: how religion masks political failures

In Chad, the divide between public policy and religious values has never been so stark. Recent remarks by the head of state, attributing the nation’s governance shortcomings to divine will while invoking divine fear to control the population, strike a discordant note amid the daily hardships endured by citizens.

For the people of Chad, faith and spirituality have long served as pillars of resilience against an oppressive political system. Yet when these sacred principles are weaponized to obscure systemic failures in governance, the economy, and institutions, it becomes essential to remind leaders that governance is not a divine mandate. The persistent recourse to religious rhetoric cannot conceal a dismal record of mismanagement and corruption.

Elections without credibility: a democracy built on sand

The 2024 presidential election exposed the fragility of Chad’s democratic facade. Legitimate grievances, disputed official figures, and independent observer reports revealed a process designed to entrench power rather than reflect the people’s will. The subsequent unrest, marked by loss of life, underscored the gravity of a stolen victory. For divine justice to resonate in governance, it must be anchored in absolute transparency in electoral processes. Future legislative and local elections will serve as a litmus test. Without a complete overhaul of the electoral body and the publication of results by polling station, the promise of democratic transition remains a hollow illusion.

The 2024 election shattered public trust irreparably. Citizens now demand a complete overhaul of the electoral roll and a restructuring of the electoral management body for upcoming legislative polls—if the head of state truly values truth over rhetoric.

Nepotism over merit: the erosion of republican values

Divine law condemns favoritism, theft, and inequity, yet Chad’s current regime thrives on such practices. High-level appointments across state institutions, financial regulators, and security forces are concentrated among a select few, based not on competence but on regional, clan, or familial ties. Technical expertise is sacrificed at the altar of patronage. Young graduates without influential connections face unemployment, while critical administrative roles—where oil and customs revenues are managed—are distributed as political favors to the president’s inner circle. This systemic injustice fuels frustration and threatens the nation’s stability.

Collapsing infrastructure: a man-made disaster

To frame everyday deprivations as divine tests is not just cynical—it is a dereliction of leadership. Chad’s collapse of basic services is a direct result of managerial incompetence, not fate. The energy crisis in N’Djamena has left electricity access a luxury, with recent fires at power plants exacerbating the plight of hospitals and businesses. Water shortages in Abéché, Sarh, and Moundou cannot be blamed on divine will when Chad possesses vast natural water reserves. Yet potable water remains a daily struggle due to poor management and corruption.

Revenues from oil and gold are systematically diverted to benefit a minority, while essential structural investments languish. Can divine justice truly sanction the plundering of a nation’s resources in the name of honor?

Beyond rhetoric: the demand for tangible change

The aspirations of the Chadian people extend far beyond moral exhortations or empty promises. They demand credible institutions, functional public services, and inclusive governance. The sincerity of leaders will be measured not by their sermons but by measurable improvements in the daily lives of citizens.