The Chadian crisis

Chad faces serious challenge of rebel onslaught that might put it in chaos for months. Rebels of the United Forces for Democracy and Development, UFDD, stormed N’Djamena, Chad’s capital with a mission - to overthrow the government of President Idriss Deby who has been in power for 17 years. President Idriss Deby refused to step down and has even turned down an offer of political asylum from France.
The stage is set for a showdown between UFDD forces and the chadian soldiers. Already hostilities generated by this development has led to Chadians fleeing their country to neighbouring countries while thousands have lost their lives. Before a full scale war breaks out in Chad, it is important for the African Union, AU, to take some proactive measures to forestall the impending pogrom.

So far, the situation looks dicey as the warring factions are not ready to shift positions. Sit-tight syndrome is one of the reasons behind the emerging crisis in Chad. President Deby manipulated the system so as to ensure his perpetual stay in power.

The people are disenchanted with his rule but he has successfully subdued oppositions until the latest emergence of rebel groups that are threatening the peace and stability of that country. To President Deby, leaving power when ovation is loudest does not catch his fancy. Neither was he fascinated by the prestige and attractive monetary reward of the Mo Ibrahim Africa leadership prize.

Most African leaders are like him which is why it is becoming difficult for them to openly criticise his decision to stay-put in power. Africa is witnessing too many crises that are leadership induced. Dafur has been in war for five years. Kenya has not recovered from the violent eruptions caused by perceived rigging that characterised President Kibaki’s re-election to power.

Almost two thousand lives were lost thus far in Kenya while the dust raised is far from settled. Bad leadership is nearly turning the African continent into a cursed one embroiled in one protracted crisis or another. Nigeria must be prepared for the back lash of the Chadian crisis. People fleeing to the country might soon turn our land into a refugee camp. About 3,500 Chadian refugees are said to be in the country already.

They come in through border towns of Baga, Gamborou-Ngala among others. The stationing of troops in our border towns is good but it has to be done in a manner that would prevent more Chadians from coming in and make our borders secure.We could be our neighbour’s keeper but not at the expense of our national security and well-being.

The Chadian crisis deserves global attention before it degenerates into another Liberia, Rwanda or Sierra Leone. The AU, European Union, EU and others should put pressure on President Idriss Deby to step aside for an interim government that would organise and conduct free and fair elections to usher in a new government and deserved peace in Chad.