Chad’s Interim Head Throws Hat in the Ring for Presidential
Chad‘s interim president, Mahamat Idriss Déby, declared his candidacy for the upcoming presidential race on Saturday. This decision was backed by representatives from the political groups forming the For a United Chad coalition, which comprises over 200 parties. Déby, who assumed power in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Déby Itno, in clashes with rebels, announced his candidacy just three days after his main rival, Yaya Dillo, was killed under suspicious circumstances in the capital, N’Djamena.
In his statement, Déby acknowledged that his decision to run came after careful consideration and endorsement by the coalition. Initially focused on steering the transitional period to a successful conclusion with peace and stability, Déby had not envisioned himself as a candidate. The political landscape in Chad has been marked by tension, intensified by recent events, including the tragic death of Yaya Dillo.
Déby, sworn in as interim president in 2022, had pledged to facilitate a return to civilian rule within 18 months but extended the transition by an additional two years. Given the current political dynamics, his candidacy in the upcoming elections on May 6 appears almost certainly to succeed.
Despite the charged atmosphere, with the recent blackout of the Internet for 48 hours, there are signs of easing restrictions. The capital, N’Djamena, is under heightened surveillance, with the army and the government warning of decisive measures against individuals threatening the state’s security. The re-establishment of internet access follows a blackout period, reflecting the government’s efforts to control information flow during a critical time.
Chad’s political landscape remains complex, marked by power transitions and security challenges. Déby’s candidacy and its circumstances add another layer of complexity to the nation’s political trajectory as it navigates the path toward stability and democratic governance.
