Born: 1964 (N’Djamena, Chad)
Biography:
Céline Narmadji (born 1964) is a Chadian human rights activist who has dedicated her life to promoting human rights, women’s rights, and social justice. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in various organizations and initiatives, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and fighting against injustice. Her tireless efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of many, both in Chad and beyond.
Born on 29 October 1964 in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, Céline Narmadji was raised in a modest household. Her father worked as a technician for the Ministry of Agriculture, while her mother took care of the family. Growing up in this environment, Narmadji developed a deep understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary people, which fueled her passion for social activism.
Narmadji’s journey as a human rights advocate began in the early 1990s when she became a member of the Chadian Human Rights League and the Association of Women for Development and a Culture of Peace in Chad. Through these organizations, she worked tirelessly to provide training and support for women and children across the country. She was particularly dedicated to fighting against the mistreatment of women and child slavery, striving to create a more just and equitable society.
In October 2014, Narmadji took on the role of spokesperson for the Enough is Enough coalition, which brought together various civil rights organizations. This alliance aimed to improve living conditions and address human rights violations in Chad. Under her leadership, the coalition organized demonstrations, encouraging citizens to express their dissatisfaction through the clanging of pots and pans and advocating for dead city days as a form of protest.
However, Narmadji’s commitment to human rights has not come without its challenges. In 2016, she found herself arrested for participating in a demonstration against the re-election of President Idriss Déby for a fifth term. Accused of opposing a legitimate authority, attempting to disrupt public order, and encouraging an unarmed gathering, she faced a suspended imprisonment of four months. Despite the unfair treatment, Narmadji remained undeterred and continued to fight for human rights both within Chad and on an international scale.
As she puts it in her own words, Our fight is aimed at achieving lasting change so that our children and grandchildren can live in peace in this country. Her unwavering dedication to justice and equality serves as an inspiration to many, and her impact on society cannot be overstated.
In recent years, Narmadji has shifted her focus towards preventing the exploitation of young Chadians who are sent from their villages to work in the gold mines. She has been working tirelessly to inform village leaders and local communities about the mistreatment and slave-like conditions these vulnerable youths face while working in the far north of Chad and the south of Libya. Her efforts aim to put an end to this practice and ensure a brighter future for the children of Chad.
Céline Narmadji’s contributions to the field of human rights and her unwavering commitment to social justice have earned her the respect and admiration of many. Her courage, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity make her a prominent figure in Chad’s history and a beacon of hope for a better, more equal world.