The threat of terrorism and violent extremism have worsened in recent decades, become increasingly pronounced in the Central Sahel region of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activity in the Lake Chad region, as well as conflict dynamics in neighbouring countries, make Chad vulnerable to regional instabilities.

Key drivers of violent extremism include high levels of youth unemployment, recurring farmer-herder conflicts, and persistent governance-related grievances. Terrorist and violent extremist groups exploit these vulnerabilities by promoting narratives of injustice and offering protection in exchange for loyalty, thereby further destabilising already fragile communities.  GCERF began investing in the country in 2024 and till date USD 2.06 million has been invested to address these drivers of violent extremism.