Govt 1 May said coup attempt by former UFCD rebel Mahamat Moussa Tao foiled; France expressed concern after several politicians, military and members of civil society accused of role in plot arrested. Refugee influx in Kinasserom area following Nigerian crackdown on Islamist Boko Haram sect (see Nigeria).

N’Djamena 3, 18 April hosted regional summits on CAR; CAR ex-president Bozizé mid-April said arms used by Seleka rebels “transited through Chad with permission of President Déby”. President Déby 15 April announced troop withdrawal from Mali following killing of 3 Chadian soldiers in suicide bombing in Kidal; French Defence Minister Le Drian April 27 met Déby in N’Djamena, said France would support Chad’s request to command UN peacekeeping mission in Mali. Déby 27 April said Chadian mercenaries have set up training camps in Libya, Libya denied.

Rebel Union of Forces of Resistance (UFR) coalition 21 March announced resumption of rebellion. 2,000 Chadian troops 9 March officially joined African regional force deployed in Mali. President Déby 18 March said extremist Islamic threat exists in Chad, some Chadians already joined terrorist organizations. Opposition leader of disbanded rebel party FROLINAT 18 March returned to Chad after over 30 years’ exile following reconciliation with govt.

West and Central African leaders 16 Feb met in N’Djamena at Sahel-Saharan regional CEN-SAD summit, discussed regional security. Chad widely criticised for hosting ICC indictee Sudanese President Bashir at summit. President Déby 27 Feb called for urgent deployment of regional troops to Mali. 6,000-strong police force suspended 4 Feb, police chief dismissed 6 Feb following investigation that revealed irregularities including graft; Déby 14 Feb dismissed Interior and Public Security Minister and Minister of Territorial Administration, accused of favouritism.

President Déby 21 Jan replaced PM Emmanuel Nadingar with Chief of Staff Joseph Dadnadji. National Alliance for Change and Democracy (ANCD) rebels 4 Jan denied govt claims ANCD lending support to CAR Seleka rebel coalition. Déby 23 Jan sent 2,000 troops to help fight Islamist groups in Mali.

Govt mid-Dec agreed to enhance surveillance of border with Libya during visit by Libyan PM Zeidan. President Déby 5 Dec met with French President Hollande, discussed potential deployment of Chadian troops to Mali, security deterioration in Central African Republic (see CAR). Govt 18 Dec deployed some 400 troops to fight CAR rebels, said intervention an “interposition” mission, Chad not siding with any protagonists in CAR conflict.

President Deby 14 Nov met with AU High Rep for Mali standby military force Sékouba Konaté; Konaté suggested Chad ready to contribute troops, govt spokesman Hassan Sylla said Chad had not formally consented.

French President Hollande early Oct requested reopening of investigation into 2008 “disappearance” of political opponent Ibni Mahamat Saleh, 8 Oct cancelled planned meeting with President Deby; Deby did not attend 14 Oct Francophonie summit in Kinshasa, reportedly in response. 3-day trade union strike over salaries began 22 Oct. Govt 12 Oct announced expulsion of Italian bishop Michel Russo following his criticism of govt handling of oil revenues.

2 lead trade union members, journalist found guilty 18 Sept of “incitation of hatred”, defamation, sentenced to 18 months in prison. 2-month public sector workers’ strike in N’Djamena ended 17 Sept, reportedly to give mediation efforts initiated by religious leaders a chance at reaching a settlement.

Public sector employees 13 Aug launched 4th consecutive week of strikes over implementation of 2011 agreement with govt on increased wages. Senegal, AU 22 Aug agreed to try former Chad president Habré for war crimes.