Rebels In Chad Are Destroying The Country

Humanitarian aid groups rely on splinter Sudanese rebel groups to protect their convoys to and from refugee camps, despite a growing military presence by the European Union in eastern Chad.

Rebels Dampen Prospects -- Washington Times

Conflict, Corruption Fuel Insurgency And Deter Investors

KOUKOU, Chad

Koukou is a swampy frontier town on the southeastern edge of Chad, about 35 miles from the poorly defined border with Sudan´s West Darfur region.

There are no paved roads, and outside access this time of year - the end of the rainy season - is limited to planes using a well-worn dirt landing strip.

With too many donkeys and goats to count, people readily greet each flight delivering supplies and aid workers.

Chad is arguably the nation in Africa with the brightest prospects for the next quarter century turning the darkest in the shortest period of time. The reason: Conflict over Sudan's Darfur region and rampant corruption have fueled an insurgency, while pushing away foreign investors interested in developing the nation's oil reserves.

Koukou barely existed until there was an attack on several Chadian villages just miles from the Sudan border in April 2007, killing hundreds. Today, it is teeming with Chadians displaced in their own country.

"It was difficult to come here because they burned our village," recalled Ismail Ahmat Ishach, a father of six. "We had to flee immediately, our families were scattered, and we had nothing to bring but what we wore that night."

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My Comment: As much as we are critical of Zimbabwe, there are some African countries that are even worse.