Security Overview for Chad

Security conditions have improved in Chad since opposition groups and rebel movements sought to overthrow President Idriss Deby and hold fresh elections in 2008. The push to oust Deby began in the latter half of 2005 - when numerous senior army officers, hundreds of troops, and several high-ranking members of the government - defected to the east and created eight separate rebel group that eventually merged and then splintered. Some have signed peace accords with the government, while others have threatened to continue fighting. Additionally, the rebellion in Sudan's Darfur region has spilled over the border on a number of occasions and has created a considerable Sudanese refugee population in eastern border towns.

Security conditions have calmed since the crisis, in part due to a security deal signed in 2010 that required both Chad and Sudan to stop providing support rival rebel groups. Rebels from the Popular Front for Reconstruction (FPR) also signed a peace deal with government in 2011 after its members attempted to overthrow Deby in 2008. Deby has since been elected to his fourth term in office in 2011 and faces less pressure from internal conflicts.

Foreigners can feel generally safe in the capital, N'Djamena. Criminal activity, such as armed residential robbery, car theft and carjacking, mainly affects local citizens, normally in low-income areas. Pickpocketing and property theft are common in crowded marketplaces. Most crimes are non-violent. However, since Chad is one of the world's poorest countries, foreigners should use common sense and take basic precautions to avoid becoming the victim of a crime. Travel in groups at all hours and avoid low-income areas.

Road travel outside of Chad's urban areas can be dangerous. Avoid driving at night or without a trusted associate, who is familiar with the country. All overland travel outside of N'Djamena requires advance permission from the Chadian government. Avoid travel in border areas, as problems such as rebel activity, land mines and rare incidents of highway banditry are threats in these areas. Avoid bus travel unless it is arranged by a travel agency. First-time visitors should consider hiring a car and driver.

Civil unrest, including demonstrations and protest marches by students and opposition supporters, occasionally takes place during election periods and times of severe economic instability. Avoid demonstrations and political events as a precaution. The risk for collateral injury is high, given that security forces rarely hesitate to use tear gas or batons to disperse crowds.

There is an ongoing threat of kidnapping in Chad. Armed rebel groups and criminal gangs have carried out several abductions of aid workers and foreign workers in the eastern region in recent years. Kidnappings have decreased over the past year, but still pose a threat to foreigners. No terrorist organizations are known to be active in Chad.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.