Download this SIPRI Background Paper

It is estimated that arms imports by Chad were five times higher in 2004–2008 than in 1999–2003. The rebel forces in Chad have obtained weapons from the Sudanese Government and from the large pool of weapons available throughout the region, although accurate information is scarce, especially about transfers of small arms and light weapons.

Several countries have published information about the arms they have exported to Chad, but it remains unclear whether and how governments have assessed the effect of arms exports on the violence in Chad and Sudan. Discussion on the desirability of arms exports to conflict areas would be facilitated by greater openness on all aspects of arms transfers.

Contents

I. Introduction
II. Limiting arms supplies to Chad
III. Arms supplies to the Government of Chad
IV. Arms supplies to rebel forces
V. Conclusions

About the author

Pieter D. Wezeman (the Netherlands) is a Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme. He rejoined SIPRI in 2006, having previously worked at the institute from 1994 to 2003. From 2003 to 2006 he was a Senior Analyst for the Dutch Ministry of Defence in the field of proliferation of conventional and nuclear weapon technology.

Publisher: SIPRI
12 pp.
August 2009