President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has been named the recipient of the 2026 African Peace Prize. This award, announced on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Geneva, honors his peaceful management of the political transition. The Chadian head of state is praised for fostering national dialogue and strengthening the country’s unity. The prize also highlights his exemplary welcome of Sudanese refugees and his commitment to solidarity in Africa.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, recently named the recipient of the 2026 African Peace Prize during the Prize Committee’s meeting in Geneva on January 15, 2026, will officially receive his award in early February in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on the occasion of the 6th African Conference for Peace. This award recognizes the Chadian head of state for his crucial role in leading a peaceful political transition, particularly through the promotion of national dialogue and the strengthening of unity and peace in Chad and the region.
“Despite the presence of neighboring countries that are militarily prepared and enjoy political-economic stability, the president has maintained his commitment to security and sustainable development in Chad.”
The Prize Committee particularly praised Chad’s ability to prevent violence and its welcome of thousands of Sudanese refugees fleeing war, an effort facilitated by the establishment of humanitarian corridors and the solidarity of local populations, despite limited resources. An initiative described as an “African model of generosity” by UNHCR and humanitarian organizations.
“This prize is not only for other regions of the country; we, the political leaders, are also honored to receive it.”
The African Peace Prize rewards leaders who work for stability, security, and sustainable development in Africa. Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno thus succeeds several distinguished African heads of state, notably Presidents Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire in 2025, Adama Barrow of The Gambia in 2024, Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria in 2023, and Mohamed Bazoum of Niger in 2022.