While the crisis in Kenya was still hot with tension, further north in Chad rebels were launching a coup d’etat to oust the unpopular President Idriss Déby

Early February 2008. Three rebel groups, comprising 2,000 men, united to attack the capital N’Djamena in a well co-ordinated attack that managed to wrong-foot the Chadian army which remained loyal to the President. A report from the BBC noted that, “Using the element of surprise, the rebels were able to cross more than 1,000km (620 miles) of terrain virtually unchallenged, and eventually enter the capital with surprising ease.” Although not officially backed by Sudan it is widely believed that the government in Khartoum is supporting these groups.
The French, Chad’s former colonial master, eventually came to the aid of the President and the rebels were forced to retreat. The rebels may have retreated but this action is unlikely to be the last attempt to overthrow the present government.
So, what has the impact been on Aim’s team in Chad? All the team were eventually evacuated although for some it was not straightforward. Peter Maclure, the unit leader, remained in Chad in the protection of a French military compound until all were away to safety. Within a week or so of the evacuation the team met to pray and discuss their options in neighbouring Cameroon. All spoke of God’s protection on them.

Return?

In a recent letter Peter wrote: “The situation in Chad remains unsettled and many missions have found it difficult to know if families should return. Embassies, oil companies and NGOs are still only allowing essential staff back.”
Some of our members have returned, but one casualty of the instability is a Timo team which has been brought to a premature close.

There is also the impact on the local population which suffers the most in times of conflict. Peter mentions one friend who was picked up by military men and told he was going to be killed. He was robbed and eventually abandoned late at night far from his home and another has had his house destroyed.

Pray for them, the team and for Pastor Bako Celeste, the General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of Chad who has been asked to serve on a commission looking into all the events surrounding the attempted coup.

Bookmark