Security In Chad

[JSerpa]

Pls be aware that things are getting a bit un-nerving around here. The military seems to be a bit nervous, but most of the action seems to be happening in the east of the country. Here in town there are lots of rumors going around, but otherwise things are more or less calm! So what does all this means? I am still traveling a bit around the country on my car. I am seeing a lot more police and military control barriers, but so far that is all. Probably the best thing to do at this time is to put this info on your radar, be aware about it, and plan for contigencies, should something happen indeed.

BRgds
Jorge Serpa
Ndjamena, Chad

[ursula]

hello Jorge
thanks for your infos. Can you tell me what you mean by "east of the country"? Abeche? Adre? Ouaddai? Biltine? or further northeast?
Ursula

[JSerpa]

About a month or so ago, some armed forces people run away from their base in or near Abeche. Apparently this group has been gaining some strength. There are reports of cars stolen by these guys. More recently there was some minor stuff also involving armed forces people but this time more towards the south of the country. About 1 or 2 weeks ago the president sacked the Chief of Staff and other top leadership of the army. But the rumor mill continues very strong!! Again, I think that the thing to do is to be aware of all this stuff, and be prepared in the eventuality of something happening indeed.

Jorge Serpa
Ndjamena, Chad

[gvdaa]

I drove from Ndjamena to Niger around november 15. Just before the attack on a military base in Ndjamena. At that time I was surprised about the lack of checkpoints. Between Ndjamen and the border I even did not have to show my papers once. Only when checking out in Daboa! But I agree: Chad seems to be tense. I was planning to drive to Abeche and Fada, but cancelled the trip. Many peopel in Ndjamena were warning us not to go there.

[JSerpa]

Gvdaa, Too bad you are already past Ndjamena. I had heard from Redhouse that you were coming this way. I was hoping to meet you here, as I have heard/read quite a lot about you and your adventures thru Chad. If you come back this way, pls let me know.

On the topic, US State Dept just issued a public announcement on the situation here. The URL is:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...a/pa_2476.html

Jorge Serpa
Ndjamena, Chad

[jelvis]

Hello Jserpa,
Thanks for the info, my friend and I will travel the whole country by bike in mars/april 2005.
Do you know some places where we can place our tent or other interesting guesthouses, hotels,...

thanks,

Jelvis

[olivier]

Hi there,
We are just arrived 2 days ago in Ndjamena by car arond lake Tchad. We heard many stories about lake Tchad before we left: crasy border, crime, nasty people, children trowing stones, very sandy road qnd very difficult orientation etc...
So we were very surprise to dicover that we took only 2 days from Nguimi to NDJ (planning 4 days)road was not so bad at all, sandy ok but not too deep . Border very easy to cross with everybody friendly. People nice. Orientation very easy. We even be disapointed when we find a new laterite road who put us few hours later in NDJ.
So, about security, we had few check point were we had to pay monney to continue. Police seems to do eveything without any problems. In Djamena too, security seems to be a probleme. We heard stories from swiss embassy. They said that it's not recomanded to come in Tchad now and they stop to do trip all over in a coutry for few days now.


Sorry for my bad english
Cheers
Olivier

[JSerpa]

Jelvis, It will be a great pleasure to help you out in any way I can, but you have to help me first: Chad is a very big place. Which areas are you planning on visit? As of today, I am a bit familiar with the area around Lake Chad. Is this of interest to you? I am planning to continue traveling around the country, so in time I may help you with info on other areas of your interest. And I will be here during your visit, so contact me and we will have a or so.

Olivier, yes, the new 'Encana' road (from Massakory to Baga Sola, but especially after Ngouri) comes as a bit of a surprise, doesn't it? I went to Bol also thinking about a full's day adventure and found myself there in less than 5 hours!!! And the same goes to you - send me an e-mail (address on profile) and we will have a .

Jorge
Ndjamena, Chad