The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since Chad gained political independence in 1960. Germany’s engagement in Chad is geared towards an integrated approach involving a combination of foreign, development and security policy. Germany is following the political transition in Chad, which is intended to lead to the restoration of the constitutional order through presidential elections (held on 6 May 2024) and parliamentary elections (scheduled on 29 December 2024).

Limited resources in the semi-arid and arid parts of the country, which are being increasingly impacted by climate change, necessitate the provision of humanitarian assistance to Chad. The war in the Sudan is leading to additional refugee flows and humanitarian needs. As of autumn‑2024, over 900,000 people had fled to Chad from the Sudan while humanitarian needs continue to persist in the Lake Chad region.

Germany is supporting the population via aid organisations such as the United Nations World Food Programme, the UNHCR and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The focus is on food security, the provision of water and healthcare and humanitarian protective measures (especially for women and children). Regional stabilisation projects place a particular emphasis on the Lake Chad region. The stabilisation concept is based on strengthening civil-military coordination and cooperation between the neighbouring countries and the international community. The aim is to establish a positive state presence in conflict zones, providing security and services for the local population, and to contain terrorist threats, to strengthen civil society and expand capacities for the protection of women and girls.

In the field of development cooperation, Germany is supporting Chad through regional projects, transitional development assistance and the special initiative Displaced Persons and Host Countries. The focus is on strengthening resilience, ensuring food security and improving the livelihoods of both the local population and those who have fled to or been displaced in Chad. Technical and financial bilateral development cooperation was discontinued in 2008.