What once emerged as a passing trend among young people has become a serious public health and security issue in Central Africa. The widespread use of chichas is prompting decisive action in Chad and raising alarms in neighbouring Cameroon, especially in the border town of Kousseri. Chicha is a form of flavoured tobacco often mixed with psychoactive substances.
The Chadian government has launched a national campaign to curb chicha consumption. Focus is particularly among youths aged 18 to 35. However, the problem is evolving beyond national borders, now impacting the socio-security landscape of northern Cameroon.
Chadian Crackdown Pushes Activity Into Cameroon
As part of its efforts, N’Djamena has intensified law enforcement operations, with increased police patrols and public awareness campaigns. But geography complicates the mission. The Gueli Bridge, which links N’Djamena and Kousseri, allows for daily, often unmonitored crossings between the two cities.
“Young users and small-scale traffickers simply cross into Cameroon to continue their activities,” said a security officer in Kousseri, requesting anonymity. “They know where to go and how to avoid local authorities.”
In Kousseri, individuals gather in hotels or secluded areas to smoke and trade illicit chicha blends, many infused with narcotics or sedatives. These activities pose serious risks not only to individual health but also to social stability in a region already struggling with youth unemployment and limited recreational opportunities.
Health and Social Risks Rising
Medical professionals warn that chicha, when mixed with other substances, can severely impact mental health and lead to long-term addiction. The communal nature of chicha smoking—often involving shared hoses—also raises concerns about the spread of respiratory illnesses.
“Many young people are unaware of the full dangers involved,” said Dr. Abdoulaye Issa, a general practitioner in N’Djamena. “We’re seeing increased cases of anxiety, respiratory problems, and substance dependency linked directly to chicha use.”
Call for Cross-Border Coordination
Chad shows commitment by implementing public health measures and enforcing security, yet experts and local officials stress that winning the fight requires collaboration.
“There’s an urgent need for regional coordination,” said Souleymane Ibrahim, a community organizer in Kousseri. “Efforts must be aligned on both sides of the border to be effective.”
Strengthening bilateral cooperation between Chad and Cameroon, particularly in border towns like Kousseri, could help monitor movements, regulate chicha sales, and implement joint youth outreach programs aimed at prevention.
The growing cross-border trade and use of chicha illustrates the complex intersection of public health, security, and youth vulnerability in Central Africa. Without coordinated regional action, cities like Kousseri may continue to absorb the spillover effects of a crisis that requires more than national solutions.
