Fifteen years after the adoption of a strict anti-smoking law, public places in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, continue to witness unchecked smoking, despite clear legal provisions.
daily exposure to secondhand smoke
In bustling areas like the Central Market or Dembé Market, the gap between legislation and reality is stark. Vendors and customers freely light up cigarettes, their smoke mingling with dust and food aromas. The lack of enforcement means non-smokers, including street vendors and passersby, involuntarily inhale harmful fumes.
« We’ve grown accustomed to the constant haze here—it’s part of our daily lives. Laws exist, but no one follows them. It’s unacceptable. » says Pélagie, a fish vendor, reflecting the frustration of many residents.
Christian, a local resident, highlights the absence of designated smoking zones: « In other countries, smokers have designated areas. Here, everyone is exposed—even in schools and hospitals. The government must act. »
Bars, restaurants, and taxis also contribute to the issue. « I suffer from asthma and severe allergies to cigarette and shisha smoke. I avoid restaurants entirely because no one respects the rules. » explains one asthmatic resident who has altered her routines to protect her health.
health and environmental risks
Exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increases the risk of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses for non-smokers. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable, facing heightened dangers to their well-being. Environmental consequences are also severe—discarded cigarette butts litter streets, pollute waterways, and pose fire hazards.
The 2010 law n° 010/PR/2010, enacted on June 10, 2010, bans smoking in all public spaces, enclosed workplaces, and public transport. It also safeguards pregnant women and minors, with penalties outlined for violations. Subsequent decrees, such as n° 1522/PR/MSP/2019, detail implementation measures, including awareness campaigns led by the Ministry of Public Health and N’Djamena’s municipal authorities. A dedicated anti-tobacco brigade was even established. Yet, enforcement remains a persistent challenge, leaving the law’s impact minimal.
