Freedom and Democracy Day in Chad for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Thursday, December 1st. There are until the next observance.

Every year on December 1, Chad celebrates Freedom and Democracy Day to commemorate Idriss Déby’s toppling of Hissèné Habré’s torture regime in 1990. It is also the anniversary of Déby’s ascension to the presidency of Chad. Déby seized power in December 1990 by conducting a coup against the dictatorial previous president, Hissèné Habré. He also withstood multiple rebellions and coup attempts against his power. When schools and businesses are closed, the general public takes the day off.

📆 When is Freedom and Democracy Day in Chad?

This year, Freedom and Democracy Day in Chad is on December 1st. It is the 1st Thursday in December; in 2023, it is on Friday.

Countdown to Freedom and Democracy Day in Chad

Did you know: Most people consume grains such as millet, sorghum, and rice at least once a day.

You can also discover all fascinating things you didn’t know about and facts about December 1, 2022.

📜 History of Freedom and Democracy Day in Chad

In late 1989, a revolution against Habré’s oppressive authority erupted. By December 1, 1990, he had already been removed from power, and the Chadian National Armed Forces (FANT) were in ruins.

On December 3, 1990, the Patriotic Salvation Movement (M.P.S. ), a Libyan-backed rebel militia led by General Déby, stormed Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, unchallenged. M.P.S. forces had entered Chad three weeks earlier by breaching the Sudanese border.

After being overthrown, Habré escaped to Senegal with $11 million in public funds. He was placed under house arrest in 2005 and remained so until his capture by Senegalese police in 2013. During his eight years as president of Chad, where rights organizations claim 40,000 people were killed, he was accused of war crimes and torture. According to Human Rights Watch, 1,200 people were slain and 12,000 were tortured, whereas a local Chadian panel estimates that approximately 40,000 people were killed and more than 200,000 were tortured.

In Chad, a charter was ratified after three months of temporary administration, with Déby becoming president on February 28, 1991. He was re-elected every five years until his death in 2021, for a total of 30 years in power.

☑️ Freedom and Democracy Day in Chad facts

It’s named after Lake Chad
Chad is named after Lake Chad, the country’s biggest wetland.

Camel racing is popular here
The Toubou tribe of Chad lives in the Tibesti Mountains and enjoys camel racing as a sport.

The ‘kakaki’ is a revered instrument
This musical instrument represents strength, and whoever understands its beat commands social respect.

Things to do on Freedom and Democracy Day in Chad

Visit Chad
Visit Chad to visit this beautiful country and learn about the challenges that people went through to make Chad what it is today. Visit places like the Zakouma National Park and the Musée National N’Djamena (National Museum).

Raise awareness
Share facts on Chad’s 1990 coup and how it led to the country’s present sociopolitical and economic state. Learn more about how the country’s past relates to current geopolitical issues and raise awareness through social media.

Celebrate the unique Chadian culture
Immerse yourself in Chad’s rich and diverse culture, of which sports and music are significant components. Different ethnic groups have their own rituals and customs.

📅 Freedom and Democracy Day in Chad Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 December 1 Friday
2024 December 1 Sunday
2025 December 1 Monday
2026 December 1 Tuesday
2027 December 1 Wednesday

See all December holidays, including Federal and other Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Freedom and Democracy Day in Chad. So be sure to check back soon.