President will keep Chadian opposition in check

Subject

Chad's political and economic outlook.

Significance

President Idris Deby came to power in a 1990 military takeover and has now ruled the country for 27 years. In an election in April, Deby won a new five-year term as president. However, there is considerable resentment among opposition politicians and the public about his lengthening rule. In October, the government introduced new austerity measures, citing the need to reduce the budget deficit. This has provoked new strikes and protests.

Impacts

• The government will maintain its combative approach to foreign oil companies.
• Low-level insecurity will persist in the Lake Chad border region.
• Chad will remain near the bottom of international development indices in 2017.