CHAD: SOVEREIGNTY IN OUR STRATEGIC PROJECTS
CHAD: SOVEREIGNTY IN OUR STRATEGIC PROJECTSBy: Djoret.
(Translate from French)
Chad is engaged in two major projects in the airport sector: the renovation of the Hassan Djamouss international airport in N’Djamena and the construction of a new international airport in Djermaya. These initiatives, although full of promise, reveal strategic inconsistencies which question the overall vision and the sovereignty of their implementation.
Indeed, the geographical proximity of the two airports (Hassan Djamouss and Djermaya) and the apparent overlap of their functions pose a problem of economic redundancy. While the Djermaya airport aims to be a modern infrastructure, compliant with international standards, the renovation of Hassan Djamouss, financed to the tune of more than 20 billion FCFA by French funds, risks producing investments that are difficult to make profitable before the new airport becomes operational, possibly in less than ten years.
Both projects rely largely on foreign funding. While the renovation of Hassan Djamouss is supported by French funds, Chinese investors are expected for Djermaya.Although these contributions are necessary, they reinforce the country's economic dependence and risk directing national priorities to the detriment of a sovereign vision. This dependence could also accentuate geopolitical competition around Chad's strategic infrastructures, limiting local room for maneuver in their management and operation.
We formulated a visionary proposal for the sovereignty and development of our country and requested in vain a meeting with the Authorities to discuss it. Indeed, the current site of N’Djamena airport offers a unique opportunity for reconversion into an ultra-modern business district. Inspired by models successfully implemented in other countries such as Mali and Mauritania, this transformation could finance the construction of the new airport through the sale and development of this area estimated at more than 10 hectares, including land. of the French military base currently being dismantled and the powder magazine. This approach would help reduce debt and strengthen Chad’s financial autonomy.
In the current context, it is essential to choose a coherent and sovereign strategy:
1. Adopt an integrated national vision:
2. Strengthen economic sovereignty by supporting the business district project:
Transform the former airport area into an ultra-modern economic hub (see model currently being refined), a catalyst for growth and urban development, avoiding any interference linked to prolonged operation of Hassan Djamouss airport.
Chad is engaged in two major projects in the airport sector: the renovation of the Hassan Djamouss international airport in N’Djamena and the construction of a new international airport in Djermaya. These initiatives, although full of promise, reveal strategic inconsistencies which question the overall vision and the sovereignty of their implementation.
Indeed, the geographical proximity of the two airports (Hassan Djamouss and Djermaya) and the apparent overlap of their functions pose a problem of economic redundancy. While the Djermaya airport aims to be a modern infrastructure, compliant with international standards, the renovation of Hassan Djamouss, financed to the tune of more than 20 billion FCFA by French funds, risks producing investments that are difficult to make profitable before the new airport becomes operational, possibly in less than ten years.
Both projects rely largely on foreign funding. While the renovation of Hassan Djamouss is supported by French funds, Chinese investors are expected for Djermaya.Although these contributions are necessary, they reinforce the country's economic dependence and risk directing national priorities to the detriment of a sovereign vision. This dependence could also accentuate geopolitical competition around Chad's strategic infrastructures, limiting local room for maneuver in their management and operation.
We formulated a visionary proposal for the sovereignty and development of our country and requested in vain a meeting with the Authorities to discuss it. Indeed, the current site of N’Djamena airport offers a unique opportunity for reconversion into an ultra-modern business district. Inspired by models successfully implemented in other countries such as Mali and Mauritania, this transformation could finance the construction of the new airport through the sale and development of this area estimated at more than 10 hectares, including land. of the French military base currently being dismantled and the powder magazine. This approach would help reduce debt and strengthen Chad’s financial autonomy.
In the current context, it is essential to choose a coherent and sovereign strategy:
1. Adopt an integrated national vision:
Develop a strategic plan articulating the respective roles of the two airports and a realistic timetable for their implementation.
Plan now for the future use of the current Hassan Djamouss airport once Djermaya is operational.
Establish a structure dedicated to the supervision, coordination and alignment of these projects with sustainable development goals and national priorities.
Establish a structure dedicated to the supervision, coordination and alignment of these projects with sustainable development goals and national priorities.
2. Strengthen economic sovereignty by supporting the business district project:
Transform the former airport area into an ultra-modern economic hub (see model currently being refined), a catalyst for growth and urban development, avoiding any interference linked to prolonged operation of Hassan Djamouss airport.
Finance the new airport through the development of the current space at N’Djamena airport, including the surrounding military and industrial zones, to limit the use of external borrowing.
In conclusion, the Hassan Djamouss renovation project, as it is currently designed, enters into direct competition with the new airport proposed in Linia (instead of Djermaya) and creates obvious security risks at this time when tension between two countries (France and Chad) is at its strongest. A minimalist resizing of the renovation project is essential to refocus resources and attention on the development of the new airport and the modern business district, expected to become levers of transformation for the country.
In conclusion, the Hassan Djamouss renovation project, as it is currently designed, enters into direct competition with the new airport proposed in Linia (instead of Djermaya) and creates obvious security risks at this time when tension between two countries (France and Chad) is at its strongest. A minimalist resizing of the renovation project is essential to refocus resources and attention on the development of the new airport and the modern business district, expected to become levers of transformation for the country.
More generally, Chad's sovereignty must not be limited to military questions.
It must also express itself in the design, financing and management of its strategic projects. By harmonizing the two airport projects with the creation of the business district, Chad can transform these initiatives into engines of growth and economic independence.
This challenge requires visionary leadership and rigorous management, but it represents a unique opportunity to position the country among sustained growth economies while asserting its decision-making autonomy.
(left, possible transformation of the current airport area, right: plan of the current airport area).
It must also express itself in the design, financing and management of its strategic projects. By harmonizing the two airport projects with the creation of the business district, Chad can transform these initiatives into engines of growth and economic independence.
This challenge requires visionary leadership and rigorous management, but it represents a unique opportunity to position the country among sustained growth economies while asserting its decision-making autonomy.
(left, possible transformation of the current airport area, right: plan of the current airport area).
Leave A Comment