fter
the seizure of power in 1990 by Idriss Deby, Chad is now apparently open to the
democratic process and is preparing for presidential elections which will be
held in May 2002.The country is
still in the throes of a civil war between northern clans that has been going on
for many years; as a result, the country is trapped in a situation of poverty.
Its subsistence economy is further aggravated by the lack of
infrastructures and a low level of instruction.
The exploitation of oil in the south (Doba), has given a new boost to the
fragile economy, though part of the proceeds were used for the purchase of arms
for the war in the north. The
majority of the population, estimated at 7 million, lives in the south.
In these last few years, the Xaverians have noted a new zeal in the Christian communities thanks to the increase in the number of catechumens and the impact that the Gospel has on everyday life.
The population of Chad is Muslim, and although, 31% of its inhabitants claim Christianity as the point of reference, the communities are still clearly at the First Evangelization stage of their development. In the south of the country the population mostly practices the traditional religions. The Diocesan Synod of 1995 gave the Christian communities the opportunity to analyze the political, economic, and social situation of the nation. In these last few years, the Xaverians have noted a new zeal in the Christian communities thanks to the increase in the number of catechumens and the impact that the Gospel has on everyday life. The migration of the population from north to south has resulted in a more visible Muslim presence. Mosques have been built everywhere with the help of the Arab countries.
As in the whole of Africa, the Church has grown also in Cameroon and Chad by 1% over a five-year period (the countries of Cameroon and Chad act as a single province in the Xaverian congregation). This growth is not limited to the numerical aspect. The maturity of faith has produced exceptional fruits in vocations, the creation of new diocese and an increase in the numbers of local clergy. There are 24 diocese in Cameroon and 7 in Chad.
(From Xaverian News)