Pray for Chad
A group of lakes in the desert of north-east Chad, a World Heritage Site.
Photo: Jacques Taberlet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Chad
The capital is N'Djamena. People speak French, Arabic and many other languages. Islam is the largest faith, and about a third of people are Christian.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Chad
Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
Chad continues to receive refugees from the war in Sudan. The UN says more than 55,000 Sudanese have fled into eastern Chad so far in 2026, with more than 400 a day crossing at Adre and Tine in September, and nearly one million Sudanese refugees have come in all. Many in the border areas live on less than half the water they need, and UNHCR has received only 18% of the funds it needs for the Sudan crisis.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno became transitional leader in 2021 after the death of his father, the former president, and won a contested election in May 2024. The Prime Minister is Allamaye Halina. In October 2025 parliament replaced the five-year term, renewable once, with a seven-year term with no limit, which opposition figures criticised. Opposition leader Succès Masra was sentenced to 20 years in prison in August 2025.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
In June 2026 the World Bank raised its growth forecast for Chad to about 5%, helped by a recovery in farming after the 2024 floods. Agriculture is close to 40% of the economy, while oil output is declining. Poverty is expected to rise above 45%, and about 88% of jobs are informal. A new national development plan aims to lift 2.5 million people out of poverty by 2030.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
Disputes between farmers and herders over land often turn violent and are sometimes seen through a religious lens. Around Lake Chad, Boko Haram and ISWAP threaten communities with raids, abductions and forced taxes. In large cities people often live apart along religious lines. Refugees from Sudan and families in the east and around the lake are among the most vulnerable.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
The 2009 census found about 58% of Chadians Muslim, about 18% Catholic, about 16% Protestant and about 4% following traditional or other beliefs. Most Muslims follow the Sufi Tijaniyah tradition, and most Protestants are evangelical. There is a large Muslim presence in the south and few Christians in the north, while the cities are mixed.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The constitution declares the state secular and guarantees religious freedom. Religious groups other than traditional ones must register with the Ministry of Interior, and the government allows Christian missionary work. Christian and Muslim holidays are both national holidays. In 2023 armed groups attacked Christian communities in Logone Oriental, killing 17 people including a pastor. Open Doors ranks Chad 48th on its 2026 World Watch List.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
Chad became independent in 1960 and marked 66 years of independence in August 2026. The death of the former president in 2021 brought a transition led by his son. Violence between farmers and herders and attacks around Lake Chad have left wounds in many communities, and the war in Sudan has brought grief across the eastern border.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Chad. Bring relief, water and safety to the refugees from Sudan and to the communities who receive them. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to those in authority. Provide work and food for every family, and good harvests for those who farm. Bring reconciliation between farmers and herders and between all peoples, and protect the vulnerable around Lake Chad. Let Your truth and hope be known in every town and village. Keep believers safe and give them courage and freedom to worship. Heal old wounds, and lead Chad in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- Africanews: over 55,000 Sudanese refugees fled to east Chad this year (September 2026)
- Africanews: Chad scraps presidential term limits (October 2025)
- Tchadinfos: Prime Minister Halina on independence day (August 2026)
- Ecofin Agency: World Bank raises Chad growth forecast (June 2026)
- US State Department: 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom, Chad (2024)
- Climbing For Christ: 2026 World Watch List rankings (January 2026)
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Chad and pray along.
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