Chad has officially concluded the relocation of six communities previously living within the Sena Oura National Park, marking the end of a multi-year initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity while improving local livelihoods.
At a ceremony held Monday at the Nicodème Cultural Center in Pala, authorities declared the formal closure of the relocation process, which began in 2018.
The initiative targeted six enclaved villages within the park—Demi-Faya, Mbigoué, Sodjia, Yapala, Zangati-Vri (Dari canton), and Oinlenga (Goumadji canton)—all located in the Mayo-Kebbi West province.
The relocation was supported by international partners through the BSB Yamoussa project, which is part of the broader Bouba Djida transboundary conservation effort between Chad and Cameroon. The programme is designed to protect the rich biodiversity of the region while ensuring the wellbeing of local populations.
Paque Molingar, curator of the Sena-Oura-Bouba Ndjida National Park, said the relocation adhered strictly to international standards, prioritising dialogue, transparency, and community engagement.
“The process was carried out with full respect for the principle of free, prior, and informed consent,” he stated.
As part of the resettlement effort, authorities and partners provided essential infrastructure—including access to water, education, and community services—to ensure better living conditions for the displaced households.
Several income-generating initiatives were also introduced to bolster local development and provide sustainable alternatives to activities previously dependent on the park’s resources.
Abdelmanane Khatab, the government’s delegate for the Mayo-Kebbi West province, praised the initiative’s dual success in promoting both environmental conservation and human development.
“This operation was accompanied by income-generating projects, strengthening local development efforts, while ensuring sustainable management of the park, in accordance with the vision of the country’s highest authorities,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by administrative officials, traditional leaders, community representatives, and key development partners, including KfW, GIZ, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
Ahead of the closing ceremony, participants visited the newly established villages to observe the results of the relocation and hear firsthand accounts from beneficiaries.
The completion of the process is seen as a model for balancing environmental protection with social responsibility—showcasing how conservation efforts can go hand in hand with improving the lives of vulnerable communities.
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