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 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
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
