Structural water scarcity and governance failures fuel violence in eastern Chad
Original framing: “Fighting over access to water in Chad kills at least 42, army intervenes” — Al Jazeera
Water-related conflicts in Chad have deep roots in colonial land policies and post-independence state marginalization of pastoralist groups. Similar patterns of resource-based violence have occurred in the Sahel region, often exacerbated by external actors through aid and development programs.
The violence in eastern Chad is not an isolated incident but a systemic crisis rooted in climate change, governance failure, and historical marginalization.
Indigenous water stewardship practices and cross-cultural models of resource sharing offer valuable insights for reforming water governance. By integrating scientific climate adaptation, decentralized decision-making, and inclusive policy reform, Chad can move toward a more just and sustainable water future. The role of the state must shift from control to facilitation, ensuring that marginalized voices are central to this transformation.