This paper assesses the political development of Chad during the presidency of Idriss Deby, in particular since 2003, when the country discovered oil resources and its rate of economic growth went from 1 % in 2001 to 48 % in 2004. The fallout of the oil revenue has led to significant tensions. Socio-economic upheavals resulting from the exploitation of oil fields have led to an increase in inequalities among regions as well as within civil society. Despite the control mechanisms put in place under the auspices of the country's oil revenue control body, the bulk of the revenue was nevertheless used by the regime to strengthen its hold on society and the army. With the divisions among the Zaghawa officers caused by the Darfur crisis one can only wonder if oil windfall is an effective instrument for holding together the army on which the regime relies.