The civil war in Chad (1965-1979) – causes and effects

Background

This civil war was primarily fought between the government of President François Tombalbaye and various rebel factions. The conflict began due to Tombalbaye’s authoritarian rule, corruption, and favoritism. The war resulted in the overthrow and death of Tombalbaye in 1975, followed by the overthrow of his successor, Félix Malloum, in 1979. The war ended with the signing of the Lagos Accord and the establishment of a Transitional Government of National Unity.

Cause of Chad civil war (1965-1979)

The Chadian Civil War (1965-1979) was caused by a combination of internal and external factors:

1. Authoritarian Rule: President François Tombalbaye’s authoritarian regime, marked by extreme corruption and favoritism, led to widespread resentment. He favored his own ethnic group, the Sara, for top government positions, which alienated other ethnic groups.
2. Ethnic and Religious Tensions: The north of Chad was predominantly Muslim, while the south was mostly Christian and animist. Tombalbaye’s policies, including the imposition of Christian names and the exclusion of Muslims from government positions, exacerbated these tensions.
3. Economic Hardships: The government’s harsh taxation policies and economic mismanagement led to widespread poverty and discontent. The reliance on cotton exports and French subsidies further strained the economy.
4. Political Repression: Tombalbaye banned opposition political parties, arrested political opponents, and dealt with dissent violently. This repression fueled the rebellion against his regime.
5. External Interventions: The conflict was influenced by Cold War dynamics, with Libya and France intervening in Chad’s affairs. Libya supported the rebels, while France initially supported the government.
6. Dissatisfaction of the army: In addition to keeping the army in poor conditions, Tombalbaye was accused of murdering army officers. This created divisions in the army leading to the civil war.
7. Colonial Legacy: The French colonial administration failed to establish a unified political and social structure, leaving behind a divided and underdeveloped country.

These factors collectively contributed to the outbreak and prolongation of the civil war in Chad.

Effects of Chad civil war (1965-1979)

The Chadian Civil War (1965-1979) had several significant effects on the country:

1. Human Cost: The war resulted in a large number of casualties and widespread suffering among the Chadian population.
2. Refuge problem: During the war many people were force out of their homes to the neighboring countries leading to refuge crisis.
3. Outbreak of famine: The civil war disrupted agriculture leading to the outbreak of famine.
4. Economic Devastation: The conflict severely damaged Chad’s infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals. The economy, already struggling, was further weakened by the war.
5. Political Instability: The war led to political instability, with multiple coups and changes in government. The 1975 coup that overthrew President François Tombalbaye and the subsequent 1979 coup that ousted Félix Malloum are examples of this instability.
6. Social Disruption: The war disrupted the lives of many Chadians, leading to displacement and the breakdown of social structures. Families were torn apart, and communities were divided.
7. International Involvement: The conflict drew in neighboring countries and international powers, including Libya and France. This external involvement further complicated the situation and prolonged the conflict.
8. Legacy of Violence: The war left a lasting legacy of violence and trauma, affecting generations of Chadians. The psychological impact of the conflict continues to be felt, with many individuals and communities struggling to heal from the experiences of war.
9. Economic Retardation: Due to increased government expenditures on the war and the destruction of basic infrastructure, Chad’s economic development was significantly hindered.
10. Interstate Conflicts: The war contributed to interstate conflicts, with countries like Sudan and Egypt funding rebel groups. This further destabilized the region.

These effects collectively shaped Chad’s post-war history and continue to influence the country’s development and recovery efforts.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science