Toubou

The Toubou, also called Tebu, are an ethnic group of the central Sahara and Sahel. They live mainly in Chad and Niger, with significant populations in Sudan and smaller communities in Libya and other neighboring countries. They are traditionally nomadic pastoralists, known for camel and cattle herding, and for long-distance trade across the Sahara. The Toubou are divided into two major subgroups: the Dazaga (Daza) and the Tedaga (Tedaga). They share linguistic and cultural traits but maintain distinct customs and dialects. The Dazaga language is spoken across Chad and Niger; Tedaga is spoken mainly in Chad and Sudan. Both languages are part of the Tebu branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family.

Socially, Toubou life centers on clans and lineages, with traditional leadership and roles in trade and herding. Many are semi-nomadic, moving seasonally with water and pasture, while others have settled in towns. Islam is widely practiced, often alongside traditional beliefs and practices.

In contemporary history, the Toubou have been affected by regional conflict and displacement, including clashes in Chad and in Darfur, Sudan. Displacement and humanitarian concerns have arisen in border areas due to drought and instability. Despite these pressures, the Toubou maintain distinct linguistic and cultural identities, with ongoing efforts to preserve language and traditional practices while engaging with national modernization and state institutions.