(3-minute read)
· General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, 37, was appointed president following the death of his father, Idriss Déby Itno
· Chad’s main opposition parties have expressed their positions on the political developments
· Thirty political parties from the democratic opposition have called for the establishment of a civilian-led transition through inclusive dialogue
General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, 37, was appointed president following the death of his father, Idriss Déby Itno, who was killed in an ambush while visiting front-line areas where rebels were active. The young General Mahamat Idriss Deby was the head of the presidential guard under his father’s regime.
Idriss Deby Itno ruled the Sahelian country for three decades. Following his death, his 37-year-old son quickly became the new leader and immediately took charge of a transitional military council. He appointed 14 of the most loyal generals to lead Chad until free and democratic elections are promised within 18 months. He will also serve as head of the armed forces, according to a charter published by the presidency.
Chad’s main opposition parties have expressed their positions on the political developments. Thirty political parties from the democratic opposition have called for the establishment of a civilian-led transition through inclusive dialogue. The opposition has called on the Chadian people to follow established legal procedures. The opposition parties have also called on the international community to “support the Chadian people in restoring the rule of law and democracy.”
A career military officer like his father, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno comes from the Zaghawa ethnic group, which has many senior officers in an army considered one of the best in the troubled Sahel region.