Despite robust anti-smoking legislation enacted over fifteen years ago, public smoking remains a widespread and largely unpunished habit across Chad, especially within its capital, N’Djamena.

A brief stroll through N’Djamena vividly illustrates the stark contrast between written law and daily practice. In bustling marketplaces such as the Central Market or Dembé, vendors and shoppers openly light up amidst dense crowds. The pervasive cigarette smoke mingles unpleasantly with dust and the aroma of food.

« We’ve grown accustomed to cigarette smoke here; it’s something we inhale daily. Regulations were put in place, but nobody adheres to them. It’s truly unacceptable, » shared Pélagie, a local fish vendor.

« In many other nations, designated smoking zones exist, but regrettably, in Chad, we are all mixed together. People even smoke inside schools and hospitals. The government absolutely must fulfill its responsibilities, » added Christian.

Like these individuals, countless Chadians are unwillingly exposed to secondhand smoke in various settings, from bars and restaurants to taxis. « I suffer from asthma and am allergic to both cigarette and shisha smoke. That’s why I’ve stopped visiting restaurants; no one there observes the rules, » one resident explained.

Exposure to secondhand smoke significantly elevates non-smokers’ risks of developing cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory ailments. Children and expectant mothers face particular vulnerability. Environmentally, discarded cigarette butts litter the streets, contributing to pollution and posing a potential fire hazard.

The comprehensive anti-smoking legislation, Law No. 010/PR/2010, enacted on June 10, 2010, expressly prohibits smoking across all public spaces, enclosed workplaces, and public transportation. This legal framework also extends protection to pregnant women and minors, while stipulating clear penalties for non-compliance.

Subsequent implementation decrees, including Decree No. 1522/PR/MSP/2019, further clarified enforcement procedures. Both the Ministry of Public Health and the N’Djamena City Council have conducted awareness campaigns, and an anti-tobacco brigade was even established. Despite these efforts, over a decade later, enforcing this law remains one of Chad’s most significant challenges.