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Statement from the EITI Board Chair on the situation in Chad

Statement from the EITI Board Chair on the situation in Chad

I note recent events in Chad, including the death of President Idriss Déby Itno, with deep concern. I offer the family of the late President sincere condolences as they mourn his passing.

These events have the potential to precipitate further instability in Chad and in the broader Sahel and Central African regions. At EITI, we urge all stakeholders in Chad to exercise restraint and to ensure that civic freedoms are respected during this difficult period. 

Along with other countries in the region, Chad has committed to implementation of the EITI Standard as a means of improving the management of extractive resources. Chad has rich deposits of crude oil. These generated USD 676 million of revenues in 2018, after the repayment of resource-backed loans and transportation costs, accounting for twenty per cent of GDP and 75 per cent of exports.  

Despite some progress on extractive sector governance reforms in Chad, including on the publication of contracts and of EITI Reports with data on the industry, there is still a long way to go to ensure that citizens benefit fully from the country’s natural resources. It would be a cause of great concern if recent events stifle application of the inclusive approach to governance that is enshrined in the EITI Standard. It is very important that civil society representatives can participate freely in the EITI process and in decision-making on the future of the extractive sector.   

Countries
Chad