A/HRC/42/42/Add.1 41. On questions about past and current allegations of mercenarism related to Chad, the Government openly acknowledged that the challenges of mercenary activities were ongoing, but also reiterated that they did not endorse the mercenary activities associated with Chadians abroad and were working towards curbing the phenomenon. In the Government’s view, mercenaries were often rogue individuals who were looking for opportunities to destabilize the country and overthrow the current Government while benefiting personally from illegal activities within the region. The Government also referred to specific individuals, some of whom were former Chadian military personnel, who had left to join armed groups, lured by financial gain. The Chadian authorities further stated that the challenges of mercenarism had led to the adoption of the new provision on mercenarism in the Penal Code in 2017. III. Motivational factors and recruitment 42. The primary motivation of mercenaries is financial gain, while foreign fighters can be motivated by a range of factors that include, in addition to financial gain, religious and ideological beliefs. Motivational factors are important not only in assessing the presence of mercenaries and mercenary-related actors, but also in understanding the root causes or drivers that prompt individuals to engage in armed groups. Financial motivation 43. Poverty, lack of financial opportunities and the severe economic situation in Chad has contributed significantly to the motivation of its nationals to join armed groups as mercenaries. Unemployment, lack of education, marginalization and exclusion affect a large part of the population in Chad, thus creating an environment wherein many of those who come into contact with armed groups are willingly recruited. These include individuals who join Boko Haram, ISIL, AQMI and other armed factions whose violent operations have destabilized the region. The delegation was informed that many Chadians who had gone to Libya had benefited from direct payments, while others had joined armed groups to enrich themselves through illicit activities such as pillaging, trafficking of arms, drugs and persons and the occupation of territories where they could access and exploit rich natural resources. 44. A number of interlocutors highlighted that, with the pervasive conflicts affecting various provinces in Chad, there were very few options for many people who were in dire poverty, which further enticed individuals to join armed groups. For example, it was said that some had joined Boko Haram not for direct payment, but just to receive a motorcycle, which was a valuable asset and could assist in an individual’s own business activities. Some individuals had reportedly joined the group for CFAF 50 (less than $1). Although there were references to payment of recruited individuals, the delegation was not aware of precise figures for wages, as such data was difficult to obtain and verify. The lack of social support available to people in the conflict-ridden areas also made joining armed groups attractive, even for the promise of food and shelter. 45. Many young men reportedly travelled to join Boko Haram with the expectation of being paid or benefiting from illegal activities, as the group attacked, raided and robbed villages along its path. However, a great number of members had been abducted and forcefully recruited during the raids and attacks on various villages. 46. The Working Group was also aware of reports that highlighted Chadian and Sudanese armed groups that had gone to Libya to pursue profit, after having being defeated by the military in their countries of origin (see S/2018/812 and Corr.1). Other reports have indicated that Chadian and Sudanese armed groups had taken advantage of deteriorating infrastructure and the widespread insecurity to loot and pillage for profit. This has further destabilized Libya and neighbouring countries. The presence of those mercenaries also pose threats to their countries of origin, highlighting the need for a concerted effort to address this phenomenon. 47. The Working Group noted that alleged Chadian mercenaries had engaged in the conflict in the Central African Republic, having mostly joined the ex-Séléka faction, along with mercenaries from other countries in the region. Those mercenaries, along with antibalaka groups, committed gross human rights violations against the local population. During 7