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Chad Remembers the Proclamation of the Republic

Republic Day is a public holiday in Chad.

Republic Day Date: November 28

Republic Day is a public holiday in Chad.

Every year on November 28, Chad celebrates Proclamation of the Republic Day. Chad was part of the many colonies of France in Africa until 1960, the year they gained independence from France and were constituted as a Republic. But Chad has been left torn by civil wars and rebellions, often with clandestine support from the French power.

History of Republic Day

In 1900, the French named Chad as a military territory and its protectorate in Africa. By 1920, France achieved full control of Chad and incorporated it into what was called French Equatorial Africa. For France, Chad wasn’t worth much and was primarily exploited for its cheap untrained labor and cotton. France began a mass production of cotton using the citizens as laborers in 1929. Chad never was much of an investment for the French; they left the whole country almost abandoned without modernizing it or investing in education. After World War II, France gave Chad the status of overseas territory and conceded some liberties to its people. For example, France allowded for the creation of political parties and election of representatives to the Chadian Assembly. Finally, Chad was granted independence from France in August 11, 1960, and François Tombalbaye was named its first president.

Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Chad has been affected by a humanitarian crisis since 2001. According to the United Nations, there are hundreds of thousands of refugees in the country from Darfur and Central Africa Republic along with 170,000 internally displaced Chadians. Even so, holidays in Chad are celebrated with fun and joy. Republic Day is celebrated in a traditional way, and people from the different religions—from Christians to Muslims—are united in the celebration of Chad’s proclamation as a free Republic. The day may be celebrated by local communities with political assemblies and sports like football.

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