N’Djamena grapples with hadid kilo child exploitation

The streets of N’Djamena are increasingly echoing with the cries of itinerant scrap dealers hawking their wares: “Hadid kilo! Hadid kilo!” Behind this commercial activity lies a disturbing trend that’s putting children at risk.

How a scrap metal trade fuels child theft

The ‘Hadid kilo’ phenomenon, a local term for scrap metal collection, has evolved from a simple recycling practice into a lucrative but dangerous business. What began as a way to recover valuable materials has morphed into an economic activity that unfortunately attracts young people into theft and deception.

In neighborhoods across N’Djamena, children as young as 8 years old have been caught selling family possessions to itinerant scrap dealers. Reports indicate cases where children exchanged household items for as little as 250 to 1,000 FCFA – a few dollars at most. These transactions often involve essential items like gas cylinders, bicycles, and even vehicle parts, leaving families without critical resources.

Voices of concern from affected communities

Parents in areas like Ngabo, Ndjari, and Zafaye have expressed alarm over this developing trend. One mother shared how her 10-year-old son sold the family’s gas cylinder for just 600 FCFA, while another recounted how a neighbor’s child sold a bicycle belonging to a younger sibling. These incidents highlight how desperation and the promise of quick cash can push vulnerable children into criminal behavior.