Chad

Population

16,766,000

Religion

Islam (52%)

Christians

5.8 million (35%)

Prayer points

    Politics

    Brittanica

    State of Religious Freedom

    Though Chad officially allows for freedom of religion Muslims lead politics, the economy and society. There is growing Islamic fundamentalism, mainly caused by the presence of Boko Haram in the country. Further, there are cases of intimidation and/or discrimination from Islam in especially the North and from African Traditional Religions (ATR) in the South. Persecution is visible mostly within community, family and private spheres in Chad. It is subtler in the national sphere. Persecution is most common to those who leave Islam or ATR (especially when they refuse to take part in rituals and rites). Churches and clergy are often targeted.

    Politics

    Chad is a republic. In April 2021 newly elected president Idris Deby died from injuries sustained in battles with insurgents in the north of the country. His 37-year-old son, General Mahamat Idriss Deby took power. He dismissed the Chadian parliament, establishing a Transitional Military Council (TMC) and promising elections within 18 months; the transition was extended for 24 months and the TMC was dissolved in October 2022, postponing elections until 31 October 2024. The government is known for operating via lines of tribalism and nepotism and for tolerating corruption. The country has been battling Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province for over a decade.

    Brittanica

    Of Christian Martyrdoms
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    Out of every 10 Christians murdered for their faith across the world, nine are killed in Sub-Saharan Africa. Murder, torture and kidnapping are an everyday threat. Extremists want to destroy the church and are using unthinkable violence. The very survival of the church is at risk – unless we act.

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