History of Chad

Pre-Colonial History
Early Settlements: Chad has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that the area was home to early humans, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and rock art.
Ancient Kingdoms and Civilizations: By the 1st millennium BCE, several advanced civilizations and kingdoms emerged in Chad. These include:
The Kanem-Bornu Empire: One of the most significant kingdoms in the region, which emerged around the 9th century. It dominated the Lake Chad area and lasted until the 19th century.
The Sao Civilization: An ancient culture that lived near Lake Chad and is known for its distinctive art and structures.
The Baguirmi and Ouaddaï Kingdoms: Other powerful kingdoms that controlled parts of Chad during the medieval period.
Colonial Era
French Colonial Rule: In the late 19th century, European powers scrambled for control of Africa. Chad became part of French Equatorial Africa, a federation of French colonies. French forces occupied the region in 1900, and Chad was formally annexed as part of the French Empire.
Resistance to Colonialism: During the colonial period, the local populations resisted French rule, but they were subdued by military force. Many indigenous groups experienced significant changes to their traditional ways of life, including forced labor and taxation.
Path to Independence
World War II and the Struggle for Independence: During World War II, Chad’s colonial status and political landscape changed. The country began to see growing demands for self-governance and independence, fueled by nationalist movements across Africa.
Independence: Chad achieved independence from France on August 11, 1960. The first President of Chad was François Tombalbaye, who led the country through its early years of independence.
Post-Independence History
Tombalbaye’s Regime: François Tombalbaye’s government was authoritarian and faced opposition from various ethnic groups and political factions. His policies led to tensions and eventual conflict between the north and the south of the country.
Civil War (1965-1979): Chad descended into a brutal civil war after Tombalbaye’s government was overthrown in 1975. The civil war was marked by ethnic and regional conflicts, with rival factions vying for control of the government.
Military Coups and Instability: After the fall of Tombalbaye, the country experienced frequent military coups, with various factions controlling different regions. The country was caught in a cycle of instability for much of the late 20th century.
The Habré Regime and the 1990s
Hissène Habré’s Rule (1982-1990): In 1982, Hissène Habré took control of the government after a coup. His regime was characterized by brutal repression, human rights violations, and violence against political opponents. He was later accused of committing atrocities, including mass killings and torture, during his time in power.
Chadian Civil War and French Involvement: Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Chad faced ongoing civil conflict. In 1990, Chad’s army, with the help of French forces, overthrew Habré, and Idriss Déby, a former ally of Habré, became president.
Idriss Déby and the 21st Century
Idriss Déby’s Presidency (1990-2021): Déby ruled Chad for over 30 years after taking power in a 1990 coup. His presidency was marked by a mix of economic development, but also by accusations of human rights abuses, suppression of political opposition, and corruption. Chad remained unstable due to ongoing conflicts with neighboring countries, particularly in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Death of Idriss Déby: On April 20, 2021, President Déby died from injuries sustained while fighting rebels in the north of Chad. His death led to the formation of a transitional military council led by his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby, sparking both internal protests and international concern over the future of Chad.
Contemporary Challenges
Current Situation: Chad continues to face significant political and social challenges. The country has been affected by armed conflicts, particularly with groups like Boko Haram and rebels from neighboring Sudan. The economic situation remains fragile, and human rights abuses continue to be a concern. The new transitional government, led by Mahamat Idriss Déby, has promised reforms but has also faced criticism for its authoritarian approach.