CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE | WEEKLY NEWS
by Djobaye Mbangdium, Chad, June 1999
THEME = POLITICS
There's no going back on Chad's programme
for decentralizing it's administrative set-up
as this has been decreed in the 31 March 1996 Constitution.
Decentralization holds pride of place in the Government's plan of action
So that the population-at-large could be made aware of the implications of the programme, a huge information campaign, was organised. This got off the ground in the first weeks of April 1999 in three of the five southern Prefectures. These were Mayo-Kebbi, Tanjilé and Moyen-Chari.
Prime Minister M. G. Waidou and a strong team masterminded the information programme, focusing on the concept of decentralization. What does decentralization mean? What are its implications?. According to the PM, decentralization is defined as a way of sharing administrative, political and juridical powers, plus the sharing of finances between central government and the decentralized entities, be they regions, prefectures, rural districts or towns. In other words, grass-root communities are given the possibility of choosing those people who will run local affairs.
On a political level, decentralization supports and guarantees local freedoms, which, it must be admitted, have been rare commodities since Chad became independent. If things work out as they should, citizens will share in decision-making and the running of their own interest areas. Moreover, it will doubtless provide an admirable means of training citizens in the concept and meaning of democracy.
As regards administration, decentralization will create closer links between those who govern and those who are governed. For 39 years, Chad's government has been both highly centralised and somewhat archaic in its structures. The new reforms will ensure complete confidence is placed in those who manage local affairs. There will doubtless be teething problems in the early stages of the programme, but that's only to be expected.
Since independence, Chad has experienced a excessively centralised administration. The central power leaned heavily on traditional chiefs to strengthen what amounted to a rotten, inefficient and corrupt administration. A feeling of frustration permeated all social layers of the country because crimes such as stealing, rape and murder went unpunished. A whole book could be written about what was going on!
Obviously, there's going to be some reactions to the decentralization exercise, especially from those who stand to lose, e.g. the traditional chiefs who will lose their privileges in favour of the new rural communities. Moreover, Chad's northern population (not numerous according to the latest available statistics of 1994), will have difficulties in regrouping themselves according to their own districts. Sometimes nomadic, sometimes sedentary, this section of Chad's population got used to depending on the State as "Provider". How to get rid of centuries-old habits? Can a whole way of thinking change from one day to another?
It should be noted that neither Niger, Burkina Faso or Mali have yet completed their decentralization programme started a long time ago. It's to be feared that Chad will go the same way. Rather than presenting the country with a fait accompli, wouldn't it be better to take the thing in stages? Perhaps setting-up a pilot project in a given area where the local population could try out the system for themselves, first of all. Chad opted for four levels of decentralization (whereas France only has three).
But the intention is not to copy what other countries are doing, rather to take into account the realities of the Chadian scene - what do the people really want and need. Time is needed to let the population make the concept of decentralization "theirs". Decentralization can't be imposed from on high, otherwise it's sure to fail.
Has Chad the necessary means to successfully undertake such a project? The answer is not all that clear. In 1997, a Decentralised District Authority was established - at least in theory. But only one car was provided, and this was often used for the endless missions of Interior Ministry officials. The poorly qualified staff sat and twiddled their thumbs in their offices day after day.
Up to now, only France has offered some help; other friendly coun- tries are hesitating. Chad is only just emerging from a long and costly war, so has the country the wherewithal to escape from its current economic crisis? On the eve of the 3rd millennium, Chad is still unable to provide its citizens with basic living conditions: adequate drinking water, electricity, modern hospitals, schools, roads, housing.
Some people are hoping that by the year 2001, the advent of petroleum will lift the country into the rank of developed countries. Wishful thinking! Petrol and allied products don't last for ever!
Actually, the best solution is for Chad to really "go for" decentralization, as this will allow the local population to find local solutions to their problems. Only then will Chad be able to emerge from its incredible misery.
END
CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE | WEEKLY NEWS
PeaceLink 1999 - Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgement