Ouaddaï, Administrative region in Eastern Chad
Ouaddai is an administrative region in eastern Chad bordering Sudan, with Abeche as its regional capital. The area is defined by agricultural land where millet and grain are grown, and by extensive livestock farming zones that shape daily life.
The Ouaddai Kingdom was founded in the 17th century and became an important Islamic center in the region. French colonial rule took control in the early 20th century and fundamentally reshaped the political order.
Several ethnic groups live here, including the Maba, Tama, Zaghawa, and Arab communities, each speaking their own languages and maintaining distinct traditions. This diversity shapes daily life and local markets, where different dialects and craft practices are still visible.
Travel through the region is best during the cooler season when roads are drier and easier to navigate. Most activities center around the capital Abeche, which serves as a base for exploration.
The old capital Wara was abandoned in the 19th century due to water scarcity and political instability. Today only ruins and local stories remain of this once important city.
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