Junta-run Chad opens campaign for key December referendum
3 years ago(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)
Chad begins campaigning Saturday for a vote on a new constitution, in a perceived test of legitimacy for the ruling junta and the Itno dynasty's 30-year reign.