Chadian Masbé Ndengar  is one of the most prominent figures in journalism and activism in his adopted country. Now in his thirties, he defines himself as a global citizen through his social and community engagement. His motto is: “Fighting with others for a better world”. In Dialogue Migration, we delve into his personal life as he travels between Chad, his country of origin, and Burkina Faso, his adopted home.  

“I chose to go into the media, but activism imposed itself on me, leaving me with no other option. When confronted with the blatant social injustices that affect many African countries, it is impossible to remain silent,” Masbé Ndengar tells Dialogue Migration.

Despite his deep attachment to Chad – and to Africa more broadly – Ndengar feels uneasy each time he returns home.

Masbé Ndengar launched his blog, Chad Revolution, in 2011 during his first year of communication studies, driven by his awareness of the injustices in his home country and the wider region. It became a platform through which he could raise awareness by putting words into action. Since then, he has continued to speak out and propose concrete actions, combining writing with practical engagement.

“In response to the abuses observed in Chad, my comrades and I demonstrated in front of the Chadian embassy in Burkina Faso,” he recalls.

Originally from Bodo in the Logone Oriental region of southern Chad, Ndengar has lived in Burkina Faso since the age of 10.

He works as a journalist in both Burkina Faso and Chad, and is also a content producer for Dialogue Migration. In addition, he trains others in digital communication, with a focus on mobile journalism (MOJO), writing techniques, and web animation. “As far as the media is concerned, I chose to be a journalist, a profession I love deeply. Communication, like journalism, relies on the media, and the media amplifies the voices of activists. I actually created my own media outlet before joining professional organisations. However, I make a clear distinction between my commitment as an activist, who uses the media to make himself heard, and my role as a journalist, in which I weigh the pros and cons,” he explains.

African integration and respect for the laws of the host country

“I arrived here as a child, which meant that I was able to grow up alongside all the other children in the neighbourhood. Everyone knows each other here, and in line with African values, any adult can correct a child who makes a mistake. I never received special treatment simply because I was Chadian,” says Ndengar.

Professionally, he did not face significant obstacles. “I was fortunate to secure a job during my third year of studies. I was already employed while completing my Master’s degree. I first applied for an internship to support my Bachelor’s thesis in communication. I worked hard, and Droit Libre TV eventually recruited me. I applied for the position of Community Manager and was lucky enough to be hired. Over time, I took on several roles there, including journalist, photojournalist, project communications officer, and trainer.”

He later joined Radio Jeunesse Sahel as Web and Social Media Manager, while also representing Chad within its multicultural team. The initiative was a joint project of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and the G5 Sahel (Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso).

“What particularly struck me was that in Burkina Faso, recruitment is merit-based, regardless of origin or identity. If you deserve a job, you get it without question. Unfortunately, this is not the case everywhere, which is why I don’t feel anxious when applying for jobs,” he says.

His nationality has never hindered his work as a journalist. He enjoys the same rights as other journalists working in Burkina Faso.

“I have a press card issued by the High Council for Communication (CSC), which gives me access to the same sources of information as any other journalist. In reality, although I am Chadian, I consider myself a Burkinabè journalist because I work for Burkinabè media outlets that operate under local legislation. My work takes me across the country to cover a wide range of events and activities. So far, my nationality has never been a problem,” he says.

Commitments and prospects

Ndengar’s career has been shaped by his determination, resilience, courage and willpower. Having lived far from his family and his country, he has had to overcome many challenges. “To succeed professionally, you have to fight, just like everyone else. What really pays off is hard work, especially in such a competitive environment. Added to this are discipline and strict compliance with the standards and rules established by society,” he says.

Today, his main concern is the same as that of many young Africans: the integration of the continent and the pursuit of African unity.

“I aspire for every African to be able to settle freely in any African country, without fear of rejection or excessive controls. It is important that no one is treated differently based on their country of origin. I dream of an Africa that is perceived as a single country, with its various nations considered as provinces. Personally, I introduce myself as an African from the province of Chad.”

 Working both as a journalist and communication expert, Ndengar is passionate about humanitarian action. This enables him to devote his time to helping those in greatest need, especially vulnerable groups. Drawing on his experience, he urges non-nationals living in Burkina Faso – or in any other African country – not to see themselves as foreigners. “It’s a terrible barrier that you put up against yourself. You have to live like everyone else, respecting the laws and values of your host country”.

He acknowledges that certain jobs or activities are sometimes reserved for nationals, but insists that wherever opportunities are open to all, they should be seized. He also stresses the importance of contributing to the development of both one’s host country and one’s country of origin.

Free movement for Africans 

Ndengar feels sick when he sees African countries mistreating their own people. “My soul trembles at the thought of human beings still being sold as commodities on our own continent, particularly in Libya.” I worry about the future when I see Africans treating their fellow human beings as subhuman and reducing them to mere beasts of burden. I can almost hear Kwame Nkrumah turning in his grave at the betrayal of his vision for African unity – by the borders, visas and residence permits that divide African brothers and sisters.”

He firmly believes that travelling, whether within or beyond Africa, should never be considered a crime. “Every individual belongs to humanity, to the whole world. The problem is not movement itself, but the obstacles we put in the way of our natural freedom to move. Ultimately, what is natural always reasserts itself, despite attempts to stifle it,” he says, full of hope for the future.

He believes that the time has come to open borders and promote free movement, enabling everyone to contribute to building a better world. Until this becomes a reality, he encourages young Africans to prioritise exploring and moving freely across the continent.

“The majority of migration from Africa already takes place within the continent. Let us protect our lives. Let us reject the paths of death. Niger needs us! Mali needs us! Benin needs us alive! Burkina Faso needs us! Senegal, Chad, Togo, Cameroon and the Central African Republic all need strong, healthy men and women. In short, Africa needs all of us!”

With this vision in mind, Ndengar defines himself as a Chadian, or more broadly, as a citizen of the world, with Africa being one of its continents.