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Big Oil and the Troubled Waters of the Niger Delta

Sudan-backed Rebels Invade Chadian Capital N'Djamena

From Fred Bridgland in Johannesburg

THE WEST'S worst nightmare concerning the five-year-old Darfur catastrophe in western Sudan was that the conflict would spill over into neighboring Chad, creating regional chaos and making the Darfur situation even more intractable. The nightmare happened yesterday. Chadian rebels, backed by the Sudanese government in Khartoum, completed a rapid, three-day, 510-mile advance west from Sudan and entered the Chad capital, N'Djamena.

Chadian Rebels Penetrate N'Djamena

Thousands of fighters from the United Front for Democracy and Change (UFDC) penetrated N'Djamena early yesterday in 300 vehicles, and spread through the city. Last night they were surrounding President Idriss Deby's palace, from where gunfire and explosions could be heard. State radio went off the air. The French and US governments, Deby's main Western backers, told their citizens to assemble in secure locations and await evacuation.

Regional Chaos and International Response

Witnesses in N'Djamena have reported looting, gunfire and explosions in the city center. Large numbers of UN staff were among the first foreigners to be evacuated to Cameroon, Chad's neighbor to the west. France currently has about 1400 military personnel in Chad, of whom 1200 are in the capital. It was not clear last night whether they would enter the fighting against the rebels.

The High-risk European Union Peacekeeping Mission

The most immediate casualty of Western efforts to alleviate the crisis in Darfur is the deployment of a high-risk European Union peacekeeping mission to eastern Chad. In Darfur, more than a quarter of a million people have died in fighting between anti-Khartoum rebels and a coalition of Sudanese forces backed by pro-government militias. Some 3700 EU soldiers are on alert for immediate deployment along Chad's eastern border with Sudan under a UN mandate to protect hundreds of thousands of refugees from Darfur.

Delays and Challenges

Advance units were meant to begin deploying last week, but the mission's Irish commander, Lieutenant-General Pat Nash, said the operation is on hold until the security situation becomes clearer. "This is one of the most unstable regions in Africa," he said. "The security situation is volatile and ever-changing. The area where we will operate is vast, the terrain is unforgiving, the climate is severe."

France's Role and Sudan's Motives

John Kotsopoulos, of the Brussels-based European Policy Centre, said: "This is definitely the EU's most dangerous mission so far. It will definitely have to tread extremely carefully so as not to get caught up." The central role played by France makes the situation particularly explosive. Chad is a former French colony and last year French troops thwarted an attempted coup by the rebels. Now Paris is spearheading the EU mission, providing the most troops and equipment, and angering the UFDC and its Khartoum patron.

Oil Discoveries and the Impact on Chad

The rebel capture of the Chadian capital also seems certain to undermine the international attempt to strengthen an African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur that is already plagued by lack of troops and equipment. The African Union, in its first major peacekeeping operation, sent troops to Darfur in 2004, but the ill-equipped and cash-strapped mission has failed to curb the violence.

The Niger Delta and Big Oil

A further complication is the recent discovery and exploitation of oil in Chad, which gives the country great strategic importance. The West will be deeply worried if it falls under the control of a Khartoum client government. The first crude oil began flowing from Chad in 2003 along a £3 billion, 700-mile pipeline, which ends at a tanker-loading terminal seven miles off the coast of Cameroon - safe from onshore disturbances and a route to America. The pipeline represents the biggest ever single investment project in Africa.

Chad's Struggle for Economic Development

Chad, until recently ranked one of the five poorest states on Earth, is currently enjoying a 55% annual increase in GDP. Nevertheless, more than seven million of the country's nine million people live on less than $1 a day. Most of the oil proceeds never see Chad. They go into the coffers of US oil companies, their Malaysian partners, and into the offshore bank accounts of President Deby and his relatives and ministers.

Hotels and Accommodation in Chad

As Chad experiences economic growth driven by the oil industry, there is an increased interest in tourism and business opportunities in the country. With its unique cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and rich wildlife, Chad has the potential to attract visitors from around the world. To cater to the growing demand, the country has been investing in expanding its hotel industry.

Luxury Hotels for Business Travelers

In N'Djamena, the capital city, several luxury hotels have been constructed to meet the needs of business travelers. These hotels provide comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and conference facilities for business meetings and events. Some notable luxury hotels in N'Djamena include Hotel Kempinski, Radisson Blu Hotel, and Hilton N'Djamena.

Budget-Friendly Options for Tourists

For tourists looking for more budget-friendly options, there are also mid-range and budget hotels available in various cities and tourist destinations across Chad. These hotels offer affordable rates without compromising on basic amenities and services. Some popular budget hotels in Chad include Hotel du Chari in N'Djamena, Hotel Mandoul in Sarh, and Hotel Sahara in Abéché.

Eco-Lodges for Wildlife Enthusiasts

Chad's rich wildlife and national parks attract nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. To provide an immersive experience in the country's natural wonders, eco-lodges have been established in or near national parks such as Zakouma National Park and Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve. These eco-lodges offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation option for visitors.

Staying Safe and Informed

When planning a trip to Chad, it is essential to stay informed about the security situation in the country. Due to ongoing conflicts and political instability, certain regions may be unsafe for travel. It is advisable to consult with the local authorities or travel advisories provided by your country's embassy before making any reservations. Additionally, it is important to take necessary precautions and follow local safety guidelines during your stay.

As Chad's tourism industry continues to develop, it is expected that more hotels and accommodation options will become available, providing visitors with a range of choices to suit their preferences and budgets.

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