In April 2026, Chad's education minister, Mahamat-Ahmat Alhabo, issued a directive to elevate Standard Arabic to equal status with French as a language of instruction and examination, effective from the upcoming school year. This significant policy shift aims to bolster the Arabic-speaking economic and political elite, potentially marginalizing the Francophone population, which constitutes a significant portion of the political opposition. This move also signifies a strategic reorientation of Chad's foreign policy, moving away from its former colonial power, France, and towards forging stronger alliances with Arab nations, notably the United Arab Emirates, which has provided substantial financial support. The directive is expected to disproportionately benefit the elite who can afford private schooling in Arabic or overseas education, further entrenching existing power structures and potentially leading to domestic unrest.