AGP Executive Report

Visa Policy: Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby announced visa-free entry for all African nationals from 1 January 2027, framing it as a boost for African integration and the free movement of people and goods. Diplomatic Links: Russia and Chad also move closer on travel ties, with Russia saying a visa-free deal will be signed for holders of Chadian and Russian diplomatic/service passports, ahead of a major Russia–Africa summit in October. Water Security: At the African Water Forum in N’Djamena, leaders warned that hundreds of millions still lack safe drinking water, with Cameroon presenting a nearly $4bn Water Compact to improve water security and infrastructure. Security & Terrorism: Nigerian forces under Operation Hadin Kai reported arrests tied to alleged drug supplies for Lake Chad Island terrorist groups, including a Chadian woman accused of transporting illicit drugs and alcohol. Regional Spotlight: A Reuters investigation linked aircraft routes involving N’Djamena to logistics hubs tied to Sudan’s RSF, raising new questions about aviation and conflict supply chains.

Visa Policy: President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno announced Chad will abolish entry visas for all Africans starting Jan. 1, 2027, calling it a step for African integration and easier movement of people and goods. Water Security: The announcement came as the African Water Forum opened in N’Djamena, with leaders warning that hundreds of millions still lack safe drinking water and pushing for action on water governance, funding, and regional cooperation. Regional Security: Chad-linked reporting also highlights continued pressure on Lake Chad-area militants, including the arrest of a 48-year-old Chadian woman in Nigeria over alleged drug and alcohol supplies meant for Boko Haram/ISWAP. International Justice: Amnesty International said the ICC is under threat after U.S. attacks on the court, noting the ICC deputy prosecutor was in Chad meeting Darfur victims. Aviation and Sudan: Reuters reported aircraft linked to a former U.S. special forces contractor flew routes tied to Sudan’s RSF, including stops at N’Djamena Airport. Environment: A UN weather report flags the Bodélé Depression in Chad as the world’s top dust hotspot, with sand and dust storms worsening health and livelihoods.

African Water Forum in N’Djamena: Heads of state and water experts opened the two-day “From Vision to Action” forum, with President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno warning that hundreds of millions still lack safe drinking water and climate change could cut regional GDP by nearly 12% by 2050. Lake Chad security and drugs: Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman, Rachael Samuel, on the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, seizing cannabis, “Suck and Die” chemicals, alcohol and cash allegedly meant for Boko Haram/ISWAP networks in the Lake Chad Islands. Russia–Chad diplomacy: In Moscow, Chadian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul said ties with Russia are moving positively; Russia’s Lavrov also announced a visa-free deal for diplomatic and service passport holders and said the Russia–Africa summit in October will focus on counterterror cooperation. Energy push in Chad: A new solar plant, Noor Chad, is reported to be powering about 250,000 homes, helping reduce reliance on diesel generators. Climate warning: The UN’s WMO says the Bodélé Depression in Chad remains the world’s top dust hotspot, with sand and dust storms increasingly linked to poor land and water management.

Chad-Russia Diplomacy: In Moscow, Chadian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul said relations with Russia are moving in a “positive direction,” as Russia’s Sergey Lavrov pledged deeper cooperation, including support for Sahel military capacity and a visa-free deal for Chadian diplomats and service passport holders to be signed July 14. Russia-Africa Summit: Lavrov said President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno plans to personally attend the October Russia–Africa Summit, with counterterror cooperation set as a key agenda item. Regional Security: In Nigeria’s Lake Chad theatre, troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman, Rachael Samuel, on suspicion of supplying Boko Haram/ISWAP with drugs, “Suck and Die” chemicals, and alcohol, seized along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis. Environment & Health: A UN weather report says the world’s highest dust levels remain centered on Chad’s Bodele Depression, warning that sand and dust storms disrupt health, transport, and farming. Local Development: Chad’s Noor Chad solar project is highlighted as a fast-built 50MW plant with battery storage powering hundreds of thousands of homes, while GICA explores a new cement plant in Chad to boost construction supplies.

Chad-Russia Diplomacy: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Chadian counterpart Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul in Moscow, saying relations are moving in a positive direction and announcing a visa-free deal for diplomats and service passport holders, while Chad’s president is set to personally attend the October Russia–Africa Summit. Counterterror Cooperation: Lavrov said Russia will help Sahel states strengthen military capabilities and training, with counterterror cooperation a key summit theme. Lake Chad Security: In Nigeria’s Borno State, troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman, Rachael Samuel, over alleged links to Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics, seizing cannabis, “Suck and Die” chemicals, alcohol, cash and ATM cards. Environment & Climate: A new study says shrinking Lake Chad has become a major bird refuge, supporting nearly 2.5 million waterbirds, while the UN’s WMO reports Chad’s Bodélé Depression remains the world’s top dust hotspot. Education Snapshot: UNESCO-linked data put Chad among the lowest education performers globally, with stark gender gaps in literacy.

Lake Chad Security: Chadian troops in Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai (Sector 3, Joint Task Force North-East) arrested 48-year-old Chadian woman Rachael Samuel, allegedly supplying Boko Haram/ISWAP with drugs, alcohol and “Suck and Die” chemicals. The haul included about 30kg of cannabis, hydromercuric chloride in two 10-litre containers, dry gin and herbal alcoholic drinks, plus phones, ATM cards and cash, seized along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis near Kwatan Doron Baga, with authorities saying it was meant for terrorist logistics across the Lake Chad islands. Environment & Health: A UN weather report says the world’s dust risk remains high, with the Bodélé Depression in Chad again recording the highest annual mean dust levels; the World Meteorological Organization warns sand and dust storms can harm air quality, health, farming, transport and ecosystems, and notes drought and land degradation are increasingly to blame. Diplomacy: Chad’s President Idriss Déby Itno sent a message to Angola’s João Lourenço, delivered in Luanda by Chad’s finance minister and special envoy, as both sides discussed cooperation and regional peace. Economy & Industry: Chad’s economic outlook is improving, with the World Bank upgrading 2026 growth to 5.2%, driven by oil, agriculture and reforms; meanwhile Algeria’s GICA is exploring a new cement plant in Chad to boost construction supplies and competition.

Counter-Terror Operations: Chadian troops in Nigeria’s Lake Chad region arrested 48-year-old Rachael Samuel of Kelo, Chari-Baguirmi, after intercepting a vehicle on the Maiduguri–Monguno highway carrying about 30kg of cannabis, “Suck and Die” chemicals, dry gin, herbal alcoholic drinks, plus phones, ATM cards and cash—items allegedly meant to sustain Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters on the islands. Security Pressure: The same Operation Hadin Kai reported thwarting multiple early-morning infiltration attempts by ISWAP across Borno axes, with troops engaging attackers and one MRAP vehicle triggering an IED without casualties. Diplomacy: Chad’s President Idriss Déby Itno sent a message to Angola’s João Lourenço, delivered in Luanda by Chad’s finance minister and special envoy Hamid Nguilin Thair, as both sides discussed regional issues and upcoming UN Alliance of Civilizations talks. Environment & Health: The UN weather agency says record sand and dust storms hit parts of China and the U.S.-Mexico border in 2025, while the world’s highest dust levels remain centered on Chad’s Bodélé Depression, with storms linked to health, transport disruption and ecosystem damage. Economy & Industry: Chad’s growth outlook is improving as reforms and oil plus agriculture drive momentum, while Algeria’s GICA is exploring a new cement plant in Chad to boost local supply and competition.

Cement Supply Push: Algeria’s GICA is exploring a new cement plant in Chad to secure building materials for N’Djamena’s housing and infrastructure drive, aiming to cut import logistics costs and boost competition after a Morocco-linked market restructuring. Powering Homes: A spotlight story on “Noor Chad” says the 50-megawatt solar project with battery storage has rapidly brought electricity to about a quarter-million homes, with leaders praising fast delivery in a country where big projects often drag. Counter-Terror Raids: Chadian and regional forces under Operation Hadin Kai report arrests tied to Lake Chad Island terror logistics, including a 48-year-old Chadian woman accused of moving cannabis, toxic chemicals (“Suck and Die”), and alcohol to Boko Haram/ISWAP networks. Environment Watch: The UN warns that sand and dust storms are worsening health and economic disruption, with the Bodélé Depression in Chad again flagged as the world’s most active dust source area. Diplomatic Note: Chad’s president sent a message to Angola’s leader to reinforce cooperation and discuss regional peace efforts.

Counter-terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin: Troops of Sector 3 of Nigeria’s Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman, Mrs. Rachael Samuel, after intercepting a vehicle on the Maiduguri–Monguno highway heading toward Kwatan Doron Baga in Borno. Seized contraband: The military says the haul included about 30kg of suspected cannabis, two 10-litre containers of “Suck and Die” (hydromercuric chloride), dry gin, herbal alcoholic beverages, plus phones, ATM cards and cash—allegedly meant to support Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters operating in the Lake Chad Islands. Regional security pressure: In related operations, troops also reported thwarting attempted ISWAP infiltrations in Borno early Friday, engaging attackers from multiple axes and keeping the Maiduguri area secure. Chad in global climate spotlight: The UN’s World Meteorological Organization warned that sand and dust storms are worsening health and economic impacts, with the Bodélé Depression in Chad again identified as the world’s most active dust source region. Diplomacy: Chad’s President Idriss Déby Itno sent a message to Angola’s João Lourenço, delivered in Luanda as part of efforts to strengthen ties and cooperation on peace and stability.

Lake Chad Security: Nigerian troops on Operation Hadin Kai intercepted a Chadian woman, 48-year-old Rachael Samuel, on the Maiduguri–Monguno axis near Kwatan Doron Baga, Kukawa LGA, Borno, stopping a suspected logistics run to Lake Chad Islands terror networks. Seized Contraband: The haul included about 30kg of cannabis, two 10-litre containers of “Suck and Die” (hydromercuric chloride), dry gin, herbal alcoholic drinks, plus phones, ATM cards and cash; she remains in custody while exhibits are set for handover. Terror Pressure in Borno: The same period also saw troops thwart alleged ISWAP infiltration attempts aimed at reaching Maiduguri. Humanitarian Warning: UNHCR says the Lake Chad Basin is nearing a “tipping point,” with 3.5 million people forcibly displaced and 8.2 million needing aid as insecurity spikes across Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Environment & Chad: A UN report flags Chad’s Bodélé Depression as the world’s top dust source region, linking sand and dust storms to health and economic disruption.

Lake Chad Security: Nigerian troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) say they intercepted a 48-year-old Chadian woman, Mrs Rachael Samuel, on the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, arresting her near Kwatan Doron Baga in Borno. Terrorist Logistics Crackdown: The military claims she was carrying seven bundles of suspected cannabis (~30kg), two 10-litre containers of “Suck and Die” (hydromercuric chloride), dry gin, herbal alcoholic drinks, plus phones, ATM cards and cash—items allegedly meant for terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad islands. Humanitarian Alarm: UNHCR warns the Lake Chad Basin is nearing a “tipping point,” with 3.5 million people forcibly displaced and 8.2 million needing aid, as security incidents rose sharply and violence spreads beyond Nigeria’s northeast. Environment & Health: The UN’s weather agency reports that sand and dust storms hit parts of China and the southern United States hard in 2025, affecting health, ecosystems and transport, with Chad’s Bodele Depression again recorded as the world’s top dust source region. Chad Diplomacy: President Idriss Déby Itno sent a message to Angola’s João Lourenço, delivered in Luanda by a Chadian envoy, as both sides discussed cooperation and regional peace.

Lake Chad Security Crackdown: Nigerian troops on Operation Hadin Kai intercepted a Chadian woman, 48-year-old Rachael Samuel, on the Maiduguri–Monguno axis near Kwatan Doron Baga, Kukawa LGA, Borno, stopping a suspected logistics run to terrorist hideouts in the Lake Chad Islands; seized items included about 30kg of cannabis, two 10-litre containers of “Suck and Die” chemicals, dry gin, herbal alcoholic drinks, plus phones, ATM cards and cash. Terrorist Infiltration Foiled: The same operation reported early-hours attempts by ISWAP to infiltrate Maiduguri routes were detected and repelled, with troops engaging from multiple axes and keeping the area stable. Humanitarian Alarm for the Basin: UNHCR warns the Lake Chad Basin is nearing a “dangerous tipping point,” with 3.5 million people forcibly displaced and 8.2 million needing aid, as security incidents surged and violence spread across Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Dust Storms and Chad’s Role: The UN’s weather agency says 2025’s worst sand and dust storms hit parts of China and the southern U.S., while the world’s highest dust levels remain centered on Chad’s Bodélé Depression, driven by drought and land degradation. Chad–Angola Diplomacy: President Idriss Déby Itno’s message to Angola’s João Lourenço was delivered in Luanda, as both sides discussed regional issues and cooperation.

Security in the Lake Chad region: Nigerian troops under Operation HADIN KAI arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman, Mrs. Rachael Samuel, in Borno while she was allegedly transporting drugs, alcohol and other prohibited items toward the Lake Chad Islands. Counter-terror operations: The same force also reported thwarting multiple ISWAP infiltration attempts early Friday, engaging attackers on several axes and keeping the situation stable after an IED incident involving an MRAP vehicle. Chad’s diplomatic outreach: President Idriss Déby Itno sent a message to Angola’s João Lourenço, delivered in Luanda by a Chadian envoy, as both sides discussed regional issues and upcoming UN meetings. Environment and health: The UN’s weather agency warned that record sand and dust storms hit parts of China and the U.S.-Mexico border in 2025, with the Bodélé Depression in Chad again among the world’s most active dust sources. Humanitarian pressure in the Basin: UNHCR said insecurity across the Lake Chad Basin has displaced over 3.5 million people and that the region is nearing a dangerous tipping point, with millions needing aid. Border control: Chad’s anti-illegal migration agency said it stopped a smuggling attempt of 74 undocumented migrants traveling from the Chadian border into the desert south of Al-Wahat, detaining them for legal processing. Information dispute: Chad’s foreign ministry rejected allegations that it was involved in plans to destabilize the Central African Republic, calling it a disinformation campaign.

Diplomacy: Chad’s President Idriss Déby Itno sent a message to Angola’s João Lourenço, delivered in Luanda by a Chadian envoy, as both sides discussed regional peace and upcoming UN talks. Security in the Lake Chad region: Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman, Rachael Samuel, on the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, seizing about 30kg of cannabis, “Suck and Die” toxic chemicals, alcohol, cash, and cards allegedly meant to support Boko Haram-linked operations. Humanitarian pressure: UNHCR warns the Lake Chad Basin is nearing a “dangerous tipping point,” with 3.5 million people forcibly displaced and 8.2 million needing aid as insecurity spikes across Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Environment: The UN’s weather agency reports record sand and dust storms hit China and the U.S.-Mexico border in 2025, while the world’s highest dust levels remain centered on Chad’s Bodélé Depression. Migration control: Chad’s anti-illegal migration agency says it stopped a desert smuggling attempt of 74 undocumented migrants, including 44 Chadians and 30 Sudanese, after they crossed from the Chadian border into Al-Wahat.

Mediation Diplomacy: Qatar’s foreign minister says mediation is rooted in the country’s constitution, stressing dialogue with all sides during crises without endorsing them. Darfur Probe: The ICC’s deputy prosecutor says a “breakthrough” has been reached in Darfur war-crimes investigations, with arrest-warrant moves still pending. Chad Border Security: Chad’s anti-illegal migration agency says it stopped a bid to smuggle 74 undocumented people south of Al-Wahat, including 44 Chadians and 30 Sudanese, after they crossed from the Chadian border. Lake Chad Humanitarian Alarm: UNHCR warns the Lake Chad Basin is nearing a tipping point, with 3.5 million displaced and 8.2 million needing aid as insecurity surges across Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Regional Tensions Denied: Chad’s foreign ministry rejects allegations it planned to destabilize the Central African Republic, calling it disinformation. JNIM and Cross-Border Violence: A new offensive by JNIM and allies in northern Mali highlights how Islamist violence keeps spreading across the Sahel and the Lake Chad region. Local Environment Watch: Conservationists warn vulture populations around N’Djamena are being hit by poisoning and belief-driven demand reaching from West Africa.

Chad-UAE ties: President Mahamat Idriss Déby met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi to push a UAE–Chad Comprehensive Economic Partnership and expand cooperation in trade, development and renewable energy. Lake Chad Basin crisis: UNHCR warns insecurity is pushing the Lake Chad Basin toward a “dangerous tipping point,” with 3.5 million people forcibly displaced and 8.2 million needing aid as security incidents surge. Border security: Chad’s Al-Wahat authorities, with security forces, stopped a smuggling attempt of 74 undocumented migrants traveling in two vehicles from the Chadian border, detaining 44 Chadians and 30 Sudanese for processing. Regional diplomacy: Chad’s foreign ministry rejects allegations that it planned to destabilize the Central African Republic, calling it a disinformation campaign. Conservation under pressure: Vulture populations near N’Djamena are at risk as belief-based demand spreads, including poisoning linked to poaching networks reaching from West Africa. Sudan spillover: UN rights officials warn another humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan’s El Obeid, with siege-like conditions and reports of atrocities affecting people across the region.