Josué Mbainaissem Rimbar, a 23-year-old author and former president of the Children’s Parliament of Chad, is driving a new conversation on youth involvement through his book, L’Engagement, le prix à payer (The Commitment, the Price to Pay). Published by Éditions Seguima, the work explores how young Africans can navigate civic responsibility, entrepreneurship, and social activism to address systemic challenges.
Who is Josué Mbainaissem Rimbar?
Josué Mbainaissem Rimbar’s path to authorship began early. By age 15, he was elected to the Children’s Parliament of Chad, eventually serving as its president. His academic background includes a scientific baccalaureate earned in Nigeria and subsequent studies in business school. In 2024, he relocated from N’Djamena to France as part of a inaugural cohort of six Chadian students training at the Lycée Agricole de Fontaines. This program is supported by the Saône-et-Loire Chamber of Agriculture to foster development cooperation between France, Chad, and Senegal.
Young people represent 80% of the population in Chad. Mbainaissem Rimbar argues that this demographic remains largely inactive in addressing critical national issues like health, security, and economic growth.
Why the focus on the “Price of Commitment”?
The core of Mbainaissem Rimbar’s writing is a call to action for a generation he views as largely silent. During a conference held on June 1, 2025, at the Lycée Emiland Gauthey in Chalon, the author—accompanied by Aristide Adoumbaye Dambaye—presented his book as a roadmap for civic engagement. He argues that the “price” of commitment is the necessary sacrifice required to secure freedom and build a more equitable society.
The text functions as a guide for youth to transition from passive observation to active participation. As cited in the book from the Abbé Madou, “Together, we have the power to change things. This book is a guide, a travel companion for all those who wish to engage, connect, and make a difference.”
How does the Chadian context shape this message?
The geopolitical reality of Chad serves as the backdrop for the book’s urgency. According to Aristide Adoumbaye Dambaye, the country faces complex challenges, including its position as a nation with three distinct climatic zones and a significant desert area. Despite these hurdles, the country maintains economic growth while managing transhumance movements between the center and the south. The book bridges these local realities with the broader need for African youth to organize, create associations, and influence political life.
If you are looking to start your own journey in community development, consider auditing your local civic landscape. Mbainaissem Rimbar’s approach emphasizes that leadership is a skill set acquired through movement involvement and social-economic training.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is L’Engagement, le prix à payer about?
It is a reflection on the role of African youth in society, covering topics like volunteering, entrepreneurship, and political participation. - Where can I purchase the book?
The book is published by Éditions Seguima and is available for purchase on Amazon. - What inspired the author’s activism?
Josué Mbainaissem Rimbar attributes his drive to his early experiences in the Children’s Parliament of Chad and his desire to see the 80% of the youth population take an active role in the country’s future.
Have you read “L’Engagement, le prix à payer”? Share your thoughts on the role of youth in community development in the comments section below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on emerging voices in global leadership.
