Chad is an important American ally in the fight against extremism and instability in North Africa. Due to its location (Northern Chad) the country is currently struggling to address transnational terrorist threats from Boko Haram in the south and al-Qaeda and Islamic State-aligned groups along the northern border with Libya.

Faya is the largest city in northern Chad and is the capital of the Borkou region. Lying in the heart of the Sahara Desert, approximately 500 miles from the nation’s capital, this important population center is particularly vulnerable to extremist influence, radicalization, and attack due to its remote location and austere environment.

The city of Faya and its surrounding date-palm groves bake in the Saharan sun

One US Civil Affairs Team, partnering with the Chadian military’s Special Anti-Terrorist Group (SATG), is working to address local needs and better understand the cultural and security dynamics in the area. With support from Spirit of America, the team plans to co-host a gathering of local leaders from Faya and around the region to talk about local issues, educate the community, and better connect the Chadian government and military to the citizens who most need their assistance.

The US Team and their SATG partners met with local and regional experts while planning the event. Dr. Zakaria Oussman (left) will serve as facilitator at the event

An important part of gatherings such as this one are the informal discussions and relationships that are built over the course of the event. In order to facilitate these relationships, provide a tangible and appropriate token of goodwill and commitment, and demonstrate respect and gratitude for the participants, a Spirit of America-provided gift bag will be presented to each attendee.

Engaging traditional leaders and gaining a better understanding of local dynamics will allow the Chadian military and their US partners to better address vulnerabilities in the area and combat the growing threat of extremism in North Africa.

With your support, Spirit of America can facilitate this important event.