Before the Sahara Desert formed, Chad had paleolithic and neolithic cultures. Through the centuries various kingdoms dominated Chad until it became part of the Muslim world in the early 7th century. But the French took control of the country in 1900. Chad became independent in 1960, like many other countries in Africa. Northern Moslem rebels have continued to fight different religious groups, French troops, and southern government. Libyan troops entered Chad in 1980 after Chad requested their help. Libya and Chad planned to unite but France and other Western nations objected that would threaten their interests due to the possible loss of control over reserves of Uranium found in Chad. Libya withdrew its troops and the plan was dropped. In 1982 there was a coup. Hussein Habre, with the help of 3,000 French troops, confronted the Libyan-backed government. In 1984 Libya and France failed to implement an agreement for simultaneous withdrawal. In 1987, the French-backed troops of Hussein Habre forced the Libyans out of Chad. The Libyans left behind about $1 billion worth of equipment. @
