Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children in Central Africa, with Particular Reference to Chad

Addressing the sexual exploitation and abuse of children in Chad is a critical priority, yet the country contends with deep-seated obstacles including extreme poverty, ongoing conflict, systemic discrimination and fragile protection frameworks. The available figures are stark: approximately 67 per cent of girls are married before the age of 18, and female genital mutilation affects a substantial share of the female population. Reinforced by certain cultural practices and a lack of legal awareness, these conditions create an environment in which minors are highly susceptible to exploitation and abuse. Through a doctrinal analysis of national statutes, regional and international instruments and scholarly and institutional sources, this article identifies a significant gap between the law and its practice: although protective rules exist on paper, standards of State and parental accountability are poorly enforced because of a compromised judicial system. The article concludes that Chad must adopt clear, childcentred legislation, supported by robust institutional monitoring and international cooperation, in order to safeguard children's rights effectively.