Since 2008, the region of Kanem is divided in three departments, namely, Kanem (capital Mao), Nord Kanem (capital of Nokou) and Wadi Bissam (capital of Mondo). As a part of decentralization in February 2003, the country is administratively split into regions, departments, municipalities and rural communities. The prefectures which were originally 14 in number were re-designated in 17 regions.