Chad’s interim leader confirms candidacy in presidential poll

By : Guardian Editor

Date: 4 March 2024 4:26am WAT

(FILES) President of Chad's Transition Council Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno looks on as he attends the 63rd Independence Day celebrations in N'Djamena on August 11, 2023. - On April 20, 2021, a junta of 15 generals proclaimed its leader, General Mahamat Déby, 37, transitional President of Chad, following the death of his father killed by rebels while going to the frontline. He immediately promised to return power to civilians through “free” elections after an 18-month “transition”. And not to appear in these future elections. But 18 months later, on the recommendation of a National Dialogue boycotted by the vast majority of the opposition and the most powerful rebel groups, Mahamat Déby extended by two years and authorized himself to participate in the future presidential election, trading in the process the uniform versus civilian clothing. (Photo by Denis Sassou Gueipeur / AFP)

President of Chad’s Transition Council Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno looks on as he attends the 63rd Independence Day celebrations in N’Djamena (Photo by Denis Sassou Gueipeur / AFP)

Chad’s interim president, Mahamat Idriss Déby, at the weekend said he will run in this year’s long-awaited presidential race.

His candidacy was endorsed by representatives of the political groups that make up his coalition, For a United Chad, which claims to include over 200 parties.

“After deep and serene reflection, I have decided to accept the choice you have made to name me as the candidate of the For a United Chad coalition,” he said.

The military leader’s announcement comes just three days after his main rival in the polls, Yaya Dillo, was shot and killed in the capital N’Djamena in suspicious circumstances.

Déby seized power in 2021 following the death of his long-ruling father, Idriss Déby Itno, who was killed in clashes with rebels.

He was sworn in 2022, promising a return to civilian rule within 18 months, but subsequently extended the transition by two years.

“I confess that I did not see myself as a candidate because my main concern was to bring this transition to a successful conclusion in peace and stability in a united and reconciled Chad,” he said.

Déby is almost certain to win the vote on 6 May.

While the social and political context remains tense, the Internet is back online after 48 hours of blackouts.

The capital is under heavy surveillance, with the army and government warning they will take strong action against those who threaten the security of the state.