ABSTRACT
The political conflict in Chad vividly illustrates the outcome of imposed colonial rule in Africa, with the Chadian state representing the worst of the French colonial legacy in Africa. The reforms made by France following World War II might have provided an opportunity for the Chadians to work out their differences by denouncing what was wrong with the colonial system and devising ingenious ways to work together once they realized they would have no choice on the matter of nationhood. France equally bears the responsibility for Chad's deplorable condition because it practiced differential treatment of its Chadian colonial subjects and would not release its stronghold on Chad's destiny following independence. Few Chadian leaders, from Arab Abba Siddick to Tubu Gukuni to Sara Malloum, have endorsed any form of federalism. Chad's economic conditions make it an easy prey of foreign and neocolonial forces. The Chadian state was neither stable nor organizationally coherent enough to implement a successful reform program.
