On Saturday January 25, 2025, the sun is already high in the sky, and it is exactly 1 o’clock in the afternoon. The heat is intense in Mandjafa. The village awakens to its peaceful daily routine. In the chief’s courtyard women are busy with their chores while children run around happily, creating a lively and varied atmosphere.
Sitting under his shed on a yellow mat covered with a red rug, Ali Mahamat, chief of the Arab herders, is surrounded by his brothers. Facing the camera of Electron TV he shares his story. This environment made me realize that something special was happening, attracting the attention of the media and many people who had come to find out more.
With a sad expression on his face, Ali Mahamat declares: “This year, water threatened us. We were like birds perched on a tree, unable to move.” He goes on to explain how difficult it was for them to find food for their livestock. On top of that, the animals had to cope with diseases caused by the floods. With the grazing land completely submerged, the government considered moving them behind the stadium, he says. However, he points out that this space was not really intended for them, because after the flood, they were chased away by the landowners. “It was difficult for us to find a balance. We ended up settling on the side of the paved road, even though the space is very limited for us,” he adds with resignation.
Faced with the rising waters of the Chari and Logone rivers, the leader of the Arab herders explains that their movement has become extremely difficult, forcing them to leave some of their animals in Ati. The excessive presence of water has blocked the transhumance corridors, which are essential during this time of year. For these herders, the abundance of water also causes disease among their animals, which is one of the main causes of livestock loss each year. He adds that when the corridors are blocked, they are forced to take other routes, which sometimes lead them through homes or farmland causing conflicts between farmers and herders. “When a problem arises we are often the first to be blamed because our animals have grazed on farmers’ crops. It is difficult to control large numbers of animals when they are on the move,” he explains. He also points out that the transhumance corridors linking N’Djamena to Faya do not allow them to reach Ati as there is no corridor between Oum Hadjer and their region. As a result, they are forced to cross small streets, which further complicates their situation.
Discrimination in an urban environment
Affected by the floods, Arab transhumant herders also need help. However, most of the time when NGOs or sometimes the state provide relief to the population, they are often forgotten. Ali Issa, desperate, his face marked by hardship and his voice tinged with anger, says: “Today, it is clear that we keep our sorrows and joys to ourselves because there is no point in sharing them with people who come to inquire about our lives without offering any solutions to our problems. Every time the state or NGOs distribute aid, whether it’s oil, food or even money, we are treated differently, as if we weren’t Chadians.” These herders in search of new pastures, find the urban environment far from welcoming. They are deeply affected by the discrimination they face daily in society.
During my reporting, I spoke with an elderly local man who lives not far from the paved road, in a house surrounded by his garden. Sitting on his chair he confided in me: “It’s difficult to work with the herders. Their animals destroy our trees, which creates constant tension. We don’t want them anywhere near us.” According to him, coexistence with these herders is complicated, particularly because of their difficulty in understanding local issues. In the event of a dispute he claims that the herders often refuse to acknowledge the damage caused by their animals.
The Mandjafa stadium nears completion: what does the future hold for the herders?
As the Mandjafa stadium nears completion a crucial question arises: after its inauguration, will this neighborhood continue to welcome transhumant herders? What will life be like for these herders who settle in Mandjafa every year in the years to come? These questions highlight the persistent challenges faced by these herders caught between climate hazards, social conflicts, and an uncertain future.
