In a bid to curb the rising concern of drug consumption in the Moyen-Chari region, Agence Tyrannus has initiated a project aimed at sensitizing local authorities to the dangers of narcotics and psychotropic substances. The project, which kicked off on September 15 and 16 in the cantons of Danamadji and Moussafoyo, seeks to educate twenty local authorities on the legal texts governing the consumption, possession, and trafficking of these substances. This four-month initiative is part of a broader program focused on promoting social cohesion and citizen education.
The launch event in Danamadji was attended by local authorities, including the Secretary General, who represented the commune's mayor. The Secretary General officially launched the project and encouraged local leaders to actively participate in its implementation. Discussions during the event highlighted the connection between drug consumption and social tensions, including inter-community conflicts, disputes between farmers and herders, and family and interpersonal conflicts. These conversations underscored the need for a concerted effort to address the issue.
Similarly, in Moussafoyo, the launch event on September 16 brought together local authorities, including the Sous-préfet, MAHAMAT YOUSSOUF MAKI, and the Chef de Canton, Sa Majesté TIGANALBAYE NARE. The Sous-préfet called on local authorities to utilize this intervention to bolster prevention actions in the canton, while the Chef de Canton emphasized the importance of collective action to combat the spread of substance abuse. He noted that the phenomenon of imitation could contribute to the proliferation of psychotropic substance consumption.
A total of twenty authorities from the two cantons participated in the information sessions, which covered the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding narcotics and psychotropic substances. The goal is to empower these leaders as relays within their communities, enabling them to disseminate this knowledge and contribute to prevention efforts. Discussions also centered on the health and social risks associated with substance abuse and its potential repercussions on community security and development.
To facilitate understanding, Agence Tyrannus employed visual aids, including image boxes depicting various substances such as tramadol and cannabis. The presentations were followed by plenary discussions, allowing participants to share their experiences and raise challenges related to implementing the legal texts at the local level. Several authorities expressed their willingness to support future sensitization efforts, particularly among the population.
This project, titled "Approche communautaire intégrée d'éducation citoyenne en faveur de la cohésion sociale dans les cantons de Moussafoyo et de Danamadji" (ACIEC-LAPIA), is being implemented by Agence Tyrannus with financial support from COGINTA, as part of a program funded by the European Union. The objective now is to translate the information shared into tangible actions at the community level, ensuring that the legal texts are not only known to leaders but also understood by the broader community.
As the project progresses, local authorities in Danamadji and Moussafoyo are expected to extend the sensitization efforts, promoting a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks and their implications. By engaging local leaders and communities, Agence Tyrannus aims to foster a culture of prevention and social cohesion, ultimately contributing to a more stable and secure environment in the Moyen-Chari region.
Key points
- Agence Tyrannus has launched a project to educate local authorities in Chad's Moyen-Chari region on the dangers of drug consumption and the importance of social cohesion.
- The project aims to empower twenty local authorities as relays within their communities to disseminate knowledge and contribute to prevention efforts.
- The initiative is part of a broader program focused on promoting social cohesion and citizen education, supported by COGINTA and funded by the European Union.
