Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Right, and Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno
In an unexpected turn of events, Hungary is forging a new alliance with Chad as it seeks to address the growing migration crisis impacting Europe. Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary has initiated a diplomatic relationship with Chad, marked by Hungary’s commitment to provide humanitarian aid, open a diplomatic mission, and even deploy military personnel to assist in Chad’s fight against armed groups.
Hungary’s outreach to Chad, a landlocked country in Central Africa, signals a strategic shift in its foreign policy, particularly regarding migration. This move comes as European nations grapple with increasing migration from Africa, driven by a combination of factors, including conflict, poverty, and climate change. Orban has made it clear that without cooperation from Sahelian countries like Chad, halting migration to Europe will be a daunting task. He emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of migration by providing support to these nations, stating, “Migration from Africa to Europe cannot be stopped without the countries of the Sahel region.”
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Hungary’s initiative includes a substantial financial commitment of $200 million in aid, which will be channeled into sectors crucial for Chad’s development, such as agriculture, education, and healthcare. The creation of a humanitarian center in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena, is also a pivotal part of this strategy, aimed at facilitating the distribution of aid and fostering local development. The intent behind this support is to mitigate poverty and improve living conditions in Chad, reducing the likelihood that residents will seek better opportunities in Europe.
Chad itself is one of Africa’s poorest nations, with a significant portion of its population living on less than $2.15 a day. Compounding these challenges are the economic disruptions caused by conflicts in neighboring countries, particularly Sudan, which has led to increased food prices and heightened instability. The influx of refugees fleeing violence in Sudan and the Central African Republic further strains Chad’s resources, creating a pressing need for international assistance. Hungary’s leaders argue that if Chad becomes destabilized, it could trigger a mass exodus of migrants toward Europe.
During a recent state visit to Hungary by Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the two nations solidified their partnership, culminating in Hungary’s promise to deploy 200 soldiers to Chad to assist in training local forces. These soldiers will focus on combating the various armed groups threatening Chad’s security, including those from the Central African Republic and Boko Haram, which has been increasingly active around Lake Chad. Although the details of this military deployment are still under negotiation, its approval from the Chadian National Assembly remains pending, and there is no confirmed timeline for when the soldiers will arrive.
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Despite Hungary’s limited historical ties to Chad, analysts suggest that this partnership may have broader implications. Hungary is among Europe’s economically disadvantaged nations and lacks existing economic interests in Chad or the Sahel region. However, the partnership aligns with Orban’s vision of establishing stronger ties with countries that can help control migration flows into Europe. The Sahel, in particular, has seen a surge in violence from armed groups, leading to mass displacement and increased migration.
While Chad has maintained relative stability compared to its neighbors, the growing threats from armed groups pose risks to its government and security. The recent shift in Hungary’s foreign policy could be interpreted as a strategic move to bolster its influence in Africa amid a complex geopolitical landscape, where major powers like Russia and China are increasingly involved.
In recent years, Russia has expanded its presence in the Sahel, capitalizing on the withdrawal of French and other Western forces. The deployment of Russian paramilitary groups, notably the Wagner Group, has raised concerns among Western nations about the implications for regional stability. By partnering with Chad, Hungary may be positioning itself as a counterweight to Russian influence in the region, especially as President Deby navigates the delicate balance of maintaining relationships with Western countries while responding to the growing interest from Russia.
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However, Hungary’s newfound partnership with Chad also raises questions about the internal dynamics within Chad. President Deby, who took power following his father’s death in battle, faces challenges to his legitimacy. Critics have accused him of staging a coup to ascend to the presidency and have expressed dissatisfaction with his government’s handling of opposition and dissent. By aligning with Hungary, Deby may seek to enhance his standing both domestically and internationally, portraying his government as a critical ally in the fight against migration and armed groups.
Hungary’s decision to engage with Chad marks a significant development in European foreign policy towards Africa, driven by the urgent need to address migration issues. The collaboration encompasses humanitarian aid, military support, and a commitment to address underlying factors contributing to instability in Chad and the broader Sahel region. While this partnership may yield benefits in terms of migration control, the implications for Chad’s internal politics and regional stability remain to be seen. As the situation evolves, the true impact of this alliance will depend on the effectiveness of the initiatives undertaken and the response of other international players in the region.
