Water Crisis in Eastern Chad: In Abeché and across the desert east, taps often run dry and people—especially women—queue for water, with UN data saying under 10% of households had safe, continuously running water in 2024; the shortage is also linked to deadly violence over access to wells. Sahel Water Recovery: A wider Sahel story is emerging as wells refill and Lake Chad recovers after decades of drought, driven by stronger rains that can both replenish aquifers and trigger floods. African Water Forum in N’Djamena: At the forum, Chad’s leaders pushed for faster water solutions and regional resilience, while Cameroon’s minister highlighted a major “Water Compact” push and the need for stronger financing and infrastructure. Chad’s Visa-Free Move: President Mahamat Idriss Déby announced Chad will abolish entry visas for all Africans from Jan. 1, 2027, positioning the country as a gateway for regional movement. Regional Investment Watch: UNCTAD data says Cameroon drew CFAF 332 billion in FDI in 2025, keeping it top in Central Africa even as inflows fell—an economic backdrop for Chad’s own development push. Diplomacy: Moldova and the Republic of Chad officially established diplomatic relations, aiming to expand cooperation across political, social, economic, and cultural fields. Education Reform: UNESCO-backed work under Chad’s PRET program completed national assessments to strengthen literacy and non-formal education for youth and adults left out of formal schooling. Russia-Chad Ties: Russia’s foreign minister highlighted growing cooperation with Chad, including visa-free travel for diplomatic and service passport holders. Community Spotlight: A Winnipeg mosque story highlights a Chad refugee’s journey and the support networks helping newcomers rebuild lives. Chad Lovell Memorial: Dallas music community mourns Deep Ellum drummer Chad Lovell, a longtime Course of Empire mainstay, who died after a 2019 head injury.