Ndjamena

Ndjamena , formerly Fort-Lamy , city (1993 urban pop. 213,342), capital of Chad and of Chari-Baguirmi prefecture, SW Chad. It is a port on the Chari River and a transportation hub that lies on roads leading to Nigeria, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Ndjamena is primarily an administrative center. It is also a major regional market for livestock, salt, dates, and grains. Meat processing is the chief industry. The city was founded as Fort-Lamy by the French in 1900. During a period of civil war in the 1960s the town was occupied by Libyan forces. Its name was changed to Ndjamena in 1973. In 2006 and 2008 the city was the scene of several days of fighting between goverment and rebel forces. The city has schools of administration and veterinary medicine and an international airport.

Ndjamena Capital of Chad, n central Africa, a port on the River Chari. Founded by the French in 1900, it was known as Fort Lamy until 1973. Ndjamena grew rapidly after independence in 1960. It is an important market for the surrounding region, which produces livestock, dates, and cereals. The main industry is meat processing. Pop. (2002 est.) 601,500.