N'Djamena: The government is taking a tougher stance against the anarchic occupation of public spaces

Chadian authorities want to put an end to the illegal occupation of public spaces in the capital. The Minister Delegate for Decentralization, Ahmat Oumar Ahmat, conducted a surprise visit to the 3rd, 6th, and 8th districts of N'Djamena to assess the situation following the eviction operations of unauthorized encampments.

Accompanied by the mayor of N'Djamena, Sénoussi Hassana Abdoulaye, and the general delegate of the government to the capital, the minister visited several municipalities, markets and public spaces in order to directly observe the application of the measures announced by the authorities.
On the ground, the delegation noted the persistence of certain practices contrary to the rules in force. This situation prompted Ahmat Oumar Ahmat to issue a warning to municipal officials.
"From today onwards, I no longer want to hear that an authorization has been issued to occupy public roads," he insisted, warning that legal and regulatory measures could be taken in the event of any shortcomings by the Council.

The junior minister also reminded local elected officials of their obligations regarding sanitation, occupation of public roads, control of street vendors and security.
For him, mayors must take on more of their role as representatives of the state at the local level and ensure the effective implementation of directives in their districts.
Ahmat Oumar Ahmat specifically invited them not to remain confined to their offices, but to go out and meet citizens to better understand their concerns and closely follow the realities on the ground.

The issue of security also featured prominently during this tour. The mayor of N'Djamena, Sénoussi Hassana Abdoulaye, called for increased mobilization against trafficking and the circulation of prohibited goods.
The stated objective is twofold: to clean up public spaces and strengthen security in the capital, with particular attention paid to the protection of youth.

This tour comes as Chadian authorities seek to strengthen urban discipline and enforce rules regarding the occupation of public space in N'Djamena.

Djamila Kambou