A trained journalist currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Influence Marketing Communication and Press Relations at INSEEC in Bordeaux, Rimoyal Bruce is a passionate voice for social justice in Chad.

A sports enthusiast and social rights advocate, he coordinates Sahel Activistes Tchad, a youth-led movement that mobilises against inequality. Through large-scale campaigns such as #ElectricityForAll, he challenges the authorities and raises public awareness of injustices. 

A former video journalist at Électron TV and press attaché at the Ministry of Culture, he is also the founder of an online media outlet and a communications agency in N’Djamena, both of which have been put on hold since he moved to France. Determined to change attitudes, he believes in the power of youth engagement to build a more just Chad.

AfricTivistes: Could you please introduce yourself and explain the role of Sahel Activistes in Chad?

Rimoyal Bruce: My name is Rimoyal Bruce, coordinator of Sahel Activistes Tchad, a group of young Chadians concerned about social inequalities in the country. Our mission is to raise public awareness of all forms of inequality in Chadian society and to remind the authorities of their obligations to address social inequalities. Everyone must contribute to building a society without inequalities.

What are the key missions and activities you’ve coordinated within this movement?

After creating the group during the Sahel Insight training organised by AfricTivistes, we launched our first initiative on social media (editor’s note: the #ElectricityForAll campaign).

This initiative has had a major impact, as the Chadian capital now benefits from access to electricity – a development that once seemed out of reach, even for N’Djamena alone.

Today, electricity is supplied to the main cities by the National Electricity Company. However, further action by the State is essential to sustain this progress.

Chad has faced deep-rooted social inequalities for decades. How do you think these inequalities affect young people and women in the country?

You only need to follow the current events in Chad to see the reality. Less than a month ago, there were reports of rape – often committed by those who are supposed to protect the population. Chadian women face inequality at all levels (at home, at school, at work, etc.). In our provinces, people in authority often take advantage of their position to abuse the people.

How do Sahel Activistes work specifically to reduce these social inequalities?

We focus on awareness-raising and digital campaigns to reach both young people and the authorities. Thanks to AfricTivistes’ training, we learned how to use official texts and unmet commitments by authorities to hold them accountable. This approach has proven quite effective during our #ElectricityForAll campaign.

How do you mobilise young people in your struggle for social justice and community development?

We organise workshops and information campaigns to explain what we’re doing. A young person today could treat a peer unfairly without realizing it. Sahel Activistes tries to raise awareness among young people in schools and on social media about social injustice – its causes and consequences.

We work with associations to integrate civic education.

We also create accessible content for social media to better engage young Chadian internet users.

What key projects or campaigns have had a significant impact on local communities?

As mentioned earlier, the “Electricity for All” initiative is one of them. In addition, preparations are underway for two new project activities

How has your personal involvement as part of Sahel Activistes contributed to the fight against inequality?

To be honest with you, I was already taking action against social inequalities without even realising it. The training I received from the AfricTivistes team helped me to become aware of my potential to go further. You can have strong determination, but without the right tools, making progress can be difficult. I have a unique vision for creating change and as a very sensitive person, I find it impossible to remain indifferent in the face of injustice.

Tell us about your long-term goals for the Sahel Activistes community.

In the short term, we aim to engage more young people to strengthen our impact. In the long term, we aim to establish partnerships with the Ministry of Education, which will enable us to raise awareness and promote civic education in schools. We also plan to work with other organisations.

What would be your advice to young Chadians who want to get involved in the fight for social justice and equality?

To everyone reading this: the future of Chad is in our hands. Our country is marked by deep social inequalities often overlooked by those in power, but we are capable of bringing about change and it should start with us. Begin by promoting equality at home, in your neighbourhood, at school… Resistance is inevitable, but persevere and be a beacon for younger generations. You don’t need to be part of an organization to take a stand against injustice. However, your efforts in the pursuit of both fairness and equality will help to bring about major and lasting change.

By Ndeye Fatou Diouf, Digital Content Manager at AfricTivistes