AGP Executive Report

ICC Exit Watch: Chad says it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, accusing the court of political bias and disproportionate targeting of Africans, with the U.S. publicly praising the move and urging other countries to follow. Regional Security: The Defence Intelligence Agency confirms the killing of senior officer Colonel Abdussalam Ude in an Abuja attack, where gunmen reportedly tried to abduct him; DIA says investigations are underway. Lake Chad Extremism: Reports highlight renewed clashes around Lake Chad, including Boko Haram and ISWAP fighting, plus arrests tied to suspected militant activity in Borno. Humanitarian Movement: IOM says 512 migrants returned from Libya this week, including 161 to Chad, under voluntary humanitarian return flights supported by the EU. AfCFTA Industrial Push: A $3.48M African Development Fund grant covers Chad and four other countries to strengthen industrial and trade policies and support AfCFTA implementation. Sports Spotlight: Chad le Clos makes Commonwealth Games history with a record 21st medal after South Africa’s bronze in the men’s 4x100m medley relay.

ICC Exit: Chad has formally notified the UN it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, accusing the court of political bias and disproportionate targeting of Africans, with the U.S. welcoming the move and urging other states to follow. Lake Chad Security: Rival Boko Haram/JAS and ISWAP fighters clashed around Mangari and Tumbun Allura, with reports of dozens killed and boats seized—prompting heightened alert across the Lake Chad axis. Sudan Arms Links: UN experts say Boeing aircraft tied to a U.S. contractor network transported RSF fighters, mercenaries, drones and weapons, with findings tied to logistics between Chad and Darfur. Youth & Democracy: A new African Youth Survey finds 73% of young Africans back democracy but 56% say Western-style models don’t fit Africa, pushing for jobs, youth representation, accountability and stability. Regional Humanitarian: After fleeing Sudan’s war, refugees are battling thirst in Chad camps.

ICC Exit in Focus: Chad formally notified the UN it’s withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, accusing the tribunal of political bias and disproportionately targeting African countries; the withdrawal takes effect a year after notice, and the move follows a US push for Chad to reconsider. Sudan War, Chad Link: Reuters reports UN experts say Boeing aircraft tied to a US contractor’s network transported mercenaries, weapons and drones for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, with earlier Reuters tracing planes from an airport in Chad to RSF logistics hubs. Humanitarian Pressure in Chad: After fleeing Sudan’s war, refugees in eastern Chad’s camps are battling extreme thirst, with water deliveries quickly exhausted by desperate crowds. Tech Safety Alarm: Meta’s Facebook and Instagram ran thousands of AI “nudify” ads from China, according to a watchdog report, raising fresh concerns about deepfake porn spreading online. Lake Chad Region Security: Nigerian troops say three suspected ISWAP fighters surrendered in Borno, citing sustained bombardment and fatigue.

ICC Withdrawal: Chad formally notified the UN it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, saying the court’s effectiveness is “limited and uneven” and that its judicial activity has disproportionately targeted Africa, with nine of 13 investigations involving African states. US Pressure: Washington welcomed Chad’s exit and urged other Rome Statute members to follow, framing the ICC as a “flawed institution” that threatens sovereignty. Regional Visa Shake-Up: The US will end routine visa processing at 25 African diplomatic posts from Aug. 1, including N’Djamena, redirecting applicants to 20 regional hubs. Sudan Humanitarian Crisis: UN agencies warn conflict, displacement, and cholera are worsening in Sudan, with thousands displaced and funding shortfalls limiting the response. Security in the Region: A Nigerian military intelligence officer was killed after resisting an attempted abduction in Abuja. Transport/Mining: Cameroon’s CAMALCO says it plans to start bauxite transport by rail to Douala soon, with locomotives undergoing testing.

ICC Exit: Chad officially announced it will withdraw from the Rome Statute, saying the ICC’s effectiveness is “limited and uneven” and that prosecutions show “undeniable selectivity” toward Africa and the Global South. The move follows similar exits by Venezuela and African states including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and comes amid U.S. pressure on the court. U.S.-Chad Link: A U.S. Bureau of African Affairs statement welcomed Chad’s decision as reclaiming sovereignty, while noting Washington’s broader campaign against the ICC. Regional Finance Watch (CEMAC): New CEMAC data shows governments still dominate banking exposure, with net claims on public sector reaching about 83.5% of credit to the wider economy—highlighting how public financing needs keep shaping lending across Chad and neighbors. Climate Impact: A new study warns climate change could add 430,000 deaths per year by 2050, with poorer countries—including Chad—hit hardest due to limited access to electricity for cooling.

ICC Withdrawal: Chad has officially started the process to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, saying the tribunal’s effectiveness is “limited and uneven” and that its work disproportionately targets Africa, with nine of 13 investigations tied to African states. Global Justice Shake-Up: The move comes as the ICC scrambles for a new prosecutor after Karim Khan’s dismissal, with a vote not expected until after the new year. US-Nigeria Security Signal: In a separate diplomatic thread, President Trump praised Nigeria’s Tinubu for protecting Christian communities and fighting terrorism, pointing to deeper US-Nigeria security cooperation around the Lake Chad region. Lake Chad Focus: New reporting highlights both the region’s rich waterbird life and the security reality—fragmented defenses are letting ISWAP and other militants move across the Lake Chad and Sahel area. Heat and Cooling Gap: A new climate report warns extreme heat will drive far more deaths by 2050, and that many of the hardest-hit places lack the electricity needed to power lifesaving cooling. Education in Crisis: UNICEF-backed “back to school” efforts are supporting displaced children in Chad and Sudan with supplies, classroom repairs, and teacher support.

Chad–Libya Security Talks: Saddam Haftar met Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena to strengthen military and security cooperation and discuss regional issues. World Bank in Chad: Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s resident representative in Chad since July 2025, oversees a roughly $2.7B portfolio across agriculture, energy, education, digital transformation, social protection, and infrastructure. Education & Literacy: A new global literacy roundup flags Chad as the least literate country, with adult literacy around 27% and low schooling years tied to weak education spending. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: South Africa’s Chad le Clos made Commonwealth Games history, becoming the most decorated male athlete in the event with his 19th medal, as Team SA added more swimming hardware in Glasgow. Tech & Safety: Meta’s Facebook and Instagram reportedly ran thousands of AI “nudify” ads from a China-based partner, raising fresh concerns about deepfake porn and platform enforcement. Sudan Spillover: Reporting on Sudan’s civil war says years of fighting have reshaped demographics and slowed learning, with displacement and instability continuing to drive long-term harm.

Chad–China Media Push: N’Djamena and Beijing are expanding their media partnership, with plans to modernize communications tools, train journalists, and build media capacity. Counterterror Operations in the Lake Chad Region: Nigeria’s Operation HADIN KAI says it has arrested an alleged ISWAP/JAS operative in Damasak, Borno, as troops continue intelligence-led sweeps and logistics disruption. U.S.–Sudan Pressure: The U.S. imposed fresh sanctions on Sudan over alleged chemical weapons use, adding export controls and financial/aviation restrictions. Immigration Politics: A new U.S. bill would block legal immigration from a long list of countries, including Chad, as part of a proposed “Third World Immigration Moratorium.” Security & Governance Backdrop: A former Nigerian IGP says shutting down an anti-terror unit after his tenure helped Boko Haram gain ground. Food Insecurity Watch: FEWS NET projects up to 16.99 million Nigerians could face acute hunger by January 2027.

Commonwealth Games, Sports: South Africa’s Chad le Clos keeps rewriting history in Glasgow, becoming the most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history with a record 19th medal after anchoring the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay to bronze (3:13.99). Commonwealth Games, Swimming: Pieter Coetzé added to Team SA’s haul with a 50m backstroke gold in a Commonwealth Games record time (24.18), with Ruard van Renen taking bronze and Erin Gallagher winning silver in the women’s 50m butterfly. Nigeria Security: Nigerian troops neutralised a suspected female ISWAP/JAS spy in Borno and arrested 14 other suspects in separate operations, including IPOB/ESN members, cultists, and a deserter soldier. Sudan, Diplomacy & Sanctions: The U.S. imposed fresh sanctions on Sudan over alleged chemical weapons use, while Russia-Sudan ties and ceasefire talks remain in focus ahead of upcoming negotiations. Military, Chad Region: In the Lake Chad Basin, U.S.-linked reporting highlights continued counterterror strikes and planning discussions around further action in the Sahel. MMA, PFL: Thad Jean survived a late opponent change to win the PFL welterweight title in Washington, D.C., after a hard-fought main event.

Commonwealth Games Glory (South Africa): Chad le Clos made history in Glasgow by winning bronze in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay, taking his Commonwealth Games medal total to a record 19 for any male athlete. Nigerian Security Overhaul: President Bola Tinubu approved the Nigerian Army expansion from 8 to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 new troops, aiming to improve border security and counter-insurgency. Counter-Terror Ops in Borno/Lake Chad: Under Operation HADIN KAI, troops arrested a suspected ISWAP-linked man after finding a Starlink terminal, and separate reports describe drone strikes neutralizing ISWAP fighters in Marte. Regional Humanitarian Push (Kuwait): Kuwait’s charities delivered aid across Gaza, Yemen, and parts of Africa, including infant formula in Gaza and food support for Sudanese refugees in Chad and Uganda. Trade Tensions (US/Canada): Analysts say Trump’s tariff approach is finding ways around court challenges, including a new, untested legal basis for 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): South Africa’s Chad le Clos added to his legend with a record 19th Commonwealth Games medal, taking bronze in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay, while Nathan Hendricks won South Africa’s first gold in the men’s S13 100m freestyle. Nigeria Security: President Bola Tinubu approved a major military expansion—28,000 more troops and four new army divisions—to better coordinate against militant Islamist groups, kidnappers, and other armed gangs. Sudan Humanitarian Crisis: UN agencies warn Sudan’s El Obeid is facing renewed cholera risk as fighting drives massive displacement, with the humanitarian appeal only 39% funded. Lake Chad Region Attacks: Nigeria’s military reported killing eight suspected ISWAP fighters in a late-night aerial operation in Borno. Chad-Linked Diplomacy/Peace Efforts: Reports highlight Chad’s role in regional peace and unity initiatives, including legal backing for interfaith efforts. Sports Broadcast: CANAL+ confirmed Commonwealth Games coverage across Sub-Saharan Africa via SuperSport. Local Governance (US): A ceremonial courtroom restoration near completion in Kenosha County, with court sessions set to resume in August.

Chad-France Security Reset: France and Chad are rebuilding military cooperation after the 2025 French troop withdrawal, focusing on training, intelligence sharing, and limited deployments against Boko Haram and ISWAP around Lake Chad—without restoring permanent French bases. Lake Chad Counterterrorism: Nigeria’s air component carried out a precision strike on an ISWAP hideout in the Southern Lake Chad region, killing terrorists and hitting a logistics site. Chad Water Stress: Reports highlight dire water needs in Chad’s desert east, underscoring growing pressure on communities as water scarcity rises. Nigeria Military Push (Regional Impact): Nigeria’s president approved a major army expansion—28,000 more troops and new divisions—aimed at improving response to kidnappings and armed group violence across the country. Commonwealth Games (Chad in the Spotlight): South African swimmer Chad Le Clos is chasing a historic 19th medal in Glasgow, while teammate Pieter Coetzé set a Games record in the 50m backstroke heats.

Chad Water Crisis: Reports say Chad’s desert east is facing a “dire need” for access to water, with rising water scarcity fueling tensions across the Sahel. Lake Chad Security: Nigerian troops say they intercepted suspected terrorists’ logistics supplies in Borno, including medical items and other goods allegedly being routed toward N’Djamena, Chad. Chad in the Diplomatic Spotlight: The Republic of Chad and the Bahamas established diplomatic relations this week. Regional Sports Coverage: Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 kicked off with a smaller, cost-controlled event, and broadcasters confirmed live access across Sub-Saharan Africa via SuperSport for DStv/GOtv viewers. Chad-Linked Sports Moment: Chad Le Clos is highlighted as a key South African swimming name heading into Glasgow competition.

Water Crisis in Eastern Chad: Abeche’s taps run dry at times, and with safe water access below 10% of households, fights over wells are turning deadly as rapid urban growth strains patchy distribution systems. US–Nigeria Security Push: President Trump publicly backed Bola Tinubu’s counter-terror fight in a July 6 letter, praising joint operations and the 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap amid rising instability across West Africa. Lake Chad Terror Attacks: Nigerian troops and OPHK forces reported drone strikes and route-clearance actions that killed ISWAP fighters and disrupted logistics around the Lake Chad basin. Commonwealth Games Coverage for Chad Le Clos: SuperSport will broadcast Glasgow 2026 across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Chad le Clos among the athletes to watch as the Games run July 23–Aug 2. Diplomacy Watch: The Bahamas and the Republic of Chad established diplomatic relations, adding another new link on Chad’s foreign-policy map.

US–Nigeria Security: President Trump says he “stands with” Bola Tinubu in the fight against terrorists, praising his “decisive leadership” and citing US Special Operations Forces support, including training aimed at protecting Christian communities. Lake Chad Counter-Terror: The letter points to US–Nigeria cooperation, including a May 16 coordinated strike on ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad area. Chad Diplomacy: The Bahamas and the Republic of Chad formally established diplomatic relations, pledging cooperation on diplomacy, sustainable development, trade, climate resilience, education, and technical support. Borno Operations (Nigeria–Chad link): Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai reports arrests of suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers in Borno, with investigators saying some medical supplies were destined for a vendor in N’Djamena, Chad. Energy Cooperation: Germany’s foreign minister says Berlin will deepen energy cooperation with Nigeria, highlighting Nigeria’s role in supplying Europe with jet fuel. Humanitarian Warning: A major El Niño is forecast to intensify food crises, with UN appeals warning of hunger risks across countries including Chad.

Lake Chad Security: Nigeria’s Operation HADIN KAI says a precision drone strike in the Southern Lake Chad axis killed 20+ ISWAP fighters, destroyed motorcycles, and hit a food storage site. Borno Crackdown: Troops also arrested five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mafa, seizing veterinary drugs and hidden medical supplies allegedly headed toward N’Djamena, Chad. Terrorist Media Blow: ISWAP confirmed the death of its chief photographer and raid commander Abu Salim al-Barnawi after a failed base attack. U.S.-Nigeria Diplomacy: Trump commended Tinubu in a letter for decisive leadership against terrorism, especially violence affecting Christian communities, citing joint security cooperation around Lake Chad. Oil & Gas Watch: Nigeria’s NUPRC wrapped the 2025 licensing round, awarding 37 of 50 blocks after 143 firms bid; frontier basins like the Chad Basin drew interest. Chad-China Health: A Chinese medical team donated medicines and equipment to Chad-China Friendship Hospital in N’Djamena, shifting toward capacity building. Travel/Passports: Nigeria’s passport access rose to 44 destinations visa-free/visa-on-arrival/e-visa, including Chad. Sports (Not Chad-related): Bengals announced Bob Trumpy and James Brooks for the 2026 Ring of Honor.