Chad
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
15 / 100
Not Free
The death of longtime president Idriss Déby Itno in 2021 triggered a military coup that installed his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, as a transitional president, after which the junta announced that it would oversee an 18-month transition period. In 2022, Déby organized the Sovereign Inclusive National Dialogue (DNIS), which extended the transition period by two years. Opposition to his continued rule has generated protests by political and civil society activists, who in turn have faced violence, imprisonment, torture, and intimidation at the hands of security forces.
Research & Recommendations
Chad
Not Free
15
100
| PR Political Rights | 1 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 14 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
15
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
The death of longtime President Idriss Déby Itno in 2021 triggered a military coup that installed his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, as a transitional president. A new constitution was approved in a flawed referendum process in 2023, and Mahamat Déby consolidated his hold on power through similarly undemocratic elections in 2024. Opposition to his continued rule has generated protests by political and civil society activists, who in turn have faced violence, imprisonment, torture, and intimidation at the hands of security forces. Multiple insurgencies led by rebel factions in the north, the civil war in neighboring Sudan, and the activities of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram around Lake Chad continue to threaten physical security.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
15
/ 100
Not Free
Population: 17,720,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
April 11, 2021
Type of Election
Presidential
Internet Penetration
10.25%
Election Year
2021
Vulnerability Index
30
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
