Bibiro Ali Taher Denounces the Dysfunctions of Chadian Sport
On March 4, 2024, Chadian marathon runner Bibiro Ali Taher publicly expressed her discontent through a long post on her social networks. She denounced the dishonesty of people who, according to her, hinder the development of Chadian sport and harm the lives of athletes. Bibiro, holder of the national marathon record (2:50:59), claimed to have never received the equipment, expenses, or bonuses to which she was entitled, nor even the reimbursement of her plane ticket to the Rio Olympics in 2016, where she carried the flag of Chad.
Conflicts with Sports Bodies
Invited to several Chadian and international media outlets, Bibiro continued to denounce the Chadian Olympic and Sports Committee (COST) and the Athletics Federation (FTA), criticizing their lack of support. “I have borne heavy burdens alone. My heart is mentally broken,” she said, rejecting COST’s accusations that minimized her claims. According to her, these personal attacks seek to divert attention from the real problem, namely the rights of Chadian athletes.
An Appeal to the President of the Republic
To amplify his fight, Bibiro wrote an official letter to the President of the Republic, Mahamat Déby. In response, the presidential office ordered an investigation led by the Minister of Sports, Abakar Djarma. The latter, a former president of COST, is a controversial figure, particularly because of his disagreements with his successor, General Idriss Dokony, who also chaired the Olympic Committee between 2013 and 2017.
Athlete Testimonies and Lack of Support
Hallas Maria, the 2023 African mixed team archery champion, also spoke about the lack of support for Chadian athletes, especially women. She denounced the fact that funds and equipment provided by Olympic Solidarity and World Archery do not reach the athletes. Unlike her male counterpart Israël Madaye, who benefited from a three-year scholarship, Hallas has not received any similar assistance despite her performances.
Difficulties and Unworthy Conditions
Chadian archers are trained in rudimentary conditions, often in inappropriate places such as the Félix Éboué high school in N’Djamena, where they make their own targets. The management of archery, like other sports, is marked by a glaring lack of resources and support from the governing bodies.
Pressure and Intimidation
In this climate of tension, several athletes, such as Mahamat Reouhidi, denounce repressive practices. Reouhidi recounts how the Athletics Federation excluded Chadian athletes living in Cameroon from the 2024 African Championships, calling them “rebels.” This climate of fear and intimidation pushes some athletes to go into exile to continue practicing their discipline.
Bibiro Ali Taher and the Chadian Sports Rights Union
Faced with these injustices, Bibiro founded a collective, the Chadian Sports Rights Union, bringing together athletes from different disciplines. Together, they want to denounce the lack of support and abusive practices within the country’s sports authorities. “We are tired of being exploited,” says Bibiro, highlighting the psychological impact of these situations on many athletes.
A Failing Sports System
Criticism against Chadian sports leaders continues to mount. General Idriss Dokony, president of COST, is accused of prioritizing his own glory over the well-being of athletes, with opaque management of funds allocated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Despite this, the situation remains unchanged for athletes who continue to fight for their rights.
Ultimately, Bibiro Ali Taher and his colleagues hope that their actions will help create a better environment for future generations of Chadian athletes, with adequate support and dignified competition conditions.
