Dominated historically by slave-trading Arab Muslims from the northern regions, Chad is primarily an agricultural nation with over 80% of the population living at subsistence level. Its recent history was shaped when the French began taking an interest in central and western Africa in the 1900s. By 1913 the country was fully colonised: sadly the new rulers didn’t really know what to do with their conquest, and investment all but dried up after a few years, leaving much of the territory almost entirely undeveloped.
When independence was granted in 1960, a southerner became Chad’s first head of state. Unfortunately, President François Tombalbaye was not the best choice. By arresting opposition leaders and banning political parties, he provoked
When independence was granted in 1960, a southerner became Chad’s first head of state. Unfortunately, President François Tombalbaye was not the best choice. By arresting opposition leaders and banning political parties, he provoked