Recent remarks by Chad’s top leadership, blaming divine will for governance failures while invoking fear of God to control citizens, ring hollow against the backdrop of daily hardships endured by the population. Faith and spirituality have long been pillars of resilience for Chadians facing relentless political pressures. Yet when these sacred values are weaponized to obscure systemic governance, economic, and institutional shortcomings, it demands a firm response from all who value reason and accountability.

Integrity and justice—cornerstones of both faith and responsible governance—demand absolute respect for the people’s will. The May 2024 presidential election, widely viewed as a sham, shattered public trust once and for all. Legitimate grievances, disputed official results, and reports from independent observers exposed a process rigged to entrench power. The subsequent loss of life during protests over what many saw as a stolen victory only deepened the crisis.

For appeals to divine truth to hold weight, they must be paired with flawless electoral transparency. Upcoming legislative and local elections will serve as a critical litmus test. Without a complete overhaul of the electoral body and transparent, polling-station-by-polling-station result releases, the promise of democratic transition remains nothing more than empty words.

The 2024 election debacle shattered trust irreparably. Citizens now demand nothing short of a full electoral roll reset and a restructured electoral commission if the head of state truly values honesty in governance.

State nepotism vs. republican equity

Divine law condemns favoritism, theft, and inequality. Yet Chad’s current regime thrives on an alarming pattern of nepotism in state appointments, financial oversight bodies, and security forces. Technical competence is routinely sacrificed on the altar of regional, clan, or family ties. Meritocracy lies in tatters. Young graduates lacking influential connections face unemployment, while key public administration roles—including those managing oil and customs revenues—are handed out as political favors to the president’s inner circle. This glaring injustice fuels frustration and undermines national stability.

Collapse of infrastructure: A managerial shipwreck

Reducing daily suffering to mere spiritual tests reflects a cynical misuse of faith. Chad’s collapse of essential services stems not from divine will, but from managerial incompetence.

The energy crisis plaguing N’Djamena has nothing to do with Allah. Electricity access has become a luxury, with recent fires at power plants deepening the crisis. Rolling blackouts cripple hospitals and businesses alike.

In Abéché, Sarh, and Moundou, water shortages plague households daily. Chad sits atop vast underground water reserves, yet potable water remains out of reach for most families because of leadership failures. Oil and gold revenues continue to be siphoned off to benefit a privileged few, while critical infrastructure investments are neglected. Does divine law truly endorse looting national wealth in its name?

Chadians’ aspirations have evolved beyond hollow moral appeals and empty promises. They demand credible institutions, functional public services, and inclusive governance. Only measurable improvements in their daily lives will validate their leaders’ claims to sincerity and faith.