Washington, DC — Overview: The Government of Chad was a strong counterterrorism partner in 2011. Countering international terrorism and extremist threats in Chad were priorities at the highest levels of Chad's government, with a particular focus on countering potential terrorist threats from across the Sahel region. Special Operations Command Africa, through the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Trans Sahara, maintained a Special Operations Forces Liaison Element in Chad to support Chadian counterterrorism forces with training and logistical support. This element works primarily with the Chadian Special Anti-Terrorism Group (SATG), who has the mandate to conduct nation-wide security and counterterrorism operations with a specific focus on border security and interdiction of those trafficking in illicit goods.
Legislation and Law Enforcement: Chadian criminal law does not explicitly criminalize terrorism. However, certain general provisions of the Penal Code (1967) have been used to prosecute acts of terrorism. Chad continued its participation in the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program.
Countering Terrorist Finance: Chad is a member of the Groupe d'Action Contre le Blanchiment d'Argent en Afrique Centrale (GABAC), an observer to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) with the same mandate and status as a FATF-style regional body. GABAC works directly with Chad's Financial Intelligence Unit, the National Financial Investigative Agency (ANIF). ANIF is hindered by serious resource constraints, and law enforcement and customs officials need training in financial crimes enforcement. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, we refer you to the 2011 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume 2, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm.
Regional and International Cooperation: Chad's counterterrorism coordination was largely on a bilateral basis, although Chad is a member state and participates in security-related mechanisms of the Economic Community of Central African States. Chad held bilateral counterterrorism discussions at the head-of-state level with Cameroon, Sudan, and Nigeria. Chad co-sponsored the November UN General Assembly Resolution condemning the Iranian plot against the Saudi Ambassador to the United States.
Countering Radicalization and Violent Extremism: As a participant in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP), Chad participated in targeted projects to counter violent extremism. Specific activities have included building the capacity of national civil society organizations, engagement of community and youth empowerment, promoting interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance, and media and outreach work.
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