Oil resources at stake in Chad conflict

Underlying the Chad conflict is a struggle to control the country’s oil resources, which while not extensive are nonetheless vital to the future of one of Africa’s most impoverished nations.

“Oil plays an important role” in the current struggle between forces loyal to Chadian President Idriss Deby and rebels determined to drive him from power, said Philippe Vasset, editor of the specialised newsletter Africa Energy Intelligence.

“While the conflict is essentially political, reflecting lingering communal resentments, … there is also a significant bounty to share.”

AFP