Chad’s usual mix of French and Arabic speaking population is changing as Chad increases diplomatic relations with Hungary. These diplomatic relations reflect Hungary’s efforts of humanitarian aid in the Sahelian nation of $200 million. Experts raise eyebrows to this relation, due to Hungary being poor and having no previous relations to Chad. Prime Minister Viktor Orban insists on forming ties with nations in the Sahel region due to migration. “Migration from Africa to Europe cannot be stopped without the countries of the Sahel region. … That is why Hungary is building a cooperation partnership with Chad,” Orban said in September. Most notably, Orban is sending troops to Chad to aid against armed groups. The 200 Hungarian soldiers will train Chads local forces against the armed groups.
As innocent as immigration can be, such as fleeing Ukraine due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, migration concerns national security. It is evident that Europe is fed up with influx in migrants (Sweden is another example) of which increase crime rates. This situation is temperamental because many migrants have no ill intent, but countries still have to take precaution. Hungary is by no means a powerful player in the international system, however, perhaps this is Hungary’s moment to shine. By decreasing violence and chaos in the Sahel shatterbelt, Hungary may get on good terms with Chad’s government. Chad is rich in petroleum and oil. Everything is falling into place now: Hungary is seeking economic gain. And that is their national interest.
On a National Level of analysis, it is in Hungary’s best interest to aid Chad’s government from unrest. This is a form of soft power. In hopes to gain power of Chad, Hungary will reap the benefit from Chad’s natural resources. Hungary would then have some leverage in the International System, not only due to long term economic power, but also power over natural resources. Power over these resources shifts the International market, prices, and how countries will interact with one another. It is already evident that Hungary is making an imprint on Chad through language (another form of soft power)…
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/23/why-is-hungarys-orban-sending-soldiers-to-chad