Department Kimiti Time zone +1 | Sub-Prefecture Goz Beïda Local time Friday 8:07 PM | |
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Weather 30°C, Wind SE at 3 km/h, 21% Humidity | ||
Goz Beïda (Arabic: قوز بيدا) is the main town (chef-lieu) of the Kimiti department and the Sila (or Dar Sila) region in southeastern Chad.
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Map of Goz Beida, Chad
Prior to 2008, Goz Beïda was part of the Ouaddaï Region's former Sila Department.
Goz Beïda is 70 kilometres (43 mi) from Chad's eastern border with Sudan's western Darfur Region. Thousands of refugees from Sudan live in Goz Beïda. The town has been seriously affected by the conflict in Darfur, which has spilled over into the surrounding area.
The town is served by Goz Beïda Airport.
October 2006
On 22 October 2006, the main unified Chadian rebel group, the Union of Forces for Democracy attacked the town. Conflicting reports initially surfaced as to whether the town was taken by the Union repulsed by the government troops. However, it was later confirmed that the town was taken by the Union, as were several other Chadian cities.
June 2008
On 14 June 2008 Chadian rebels trying to topple President Idriss Deby attacked Goz Beïda, injuring at least 25 people. The rebels and the Chadian army were involved in a firefight; Irish Army troops, part of the European Union Force, were fired at, but none were injured. A rebel group, the National Alliance, claim to control the town.