Voters in Chad participated in a long-delayed presidential election to end three years of military rule under interim president Mahamat Deby Itno. Deby Itno took power after his father, who ruled for over three decades, was killed in 2021 while fighting rebels. The government previously extended the transition period by two years, leading to protests across the country. There are 10 candidates on the ballot, including a woman, with Deby Itno expected to win. However, the killing of leading opposition figure Yaya Dillo earlier this year has raised concerns about the election’s environment.
Chad, a country of nearly 18 million people, has not seen a free and fair transfer of power since gaining independence in 1960. The US and France view Chad as a stable ally in the Sahel region, especially after military coups in neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Chad also hosts over half a million refugees from Sudan, making any instability a concern for increased illegal migration towards Europe. The presence of US and French military forces in Chad is seen as critical for regional stability.
High food prices, partly due to the war in Ukraine, and the renewed threat from Boko Haram insurgency from Nigeria add to the challenges Chad faces. Schools, mosques, and churches have reopened after a successful Chadian army operation in 2020 to destroy Boko Haram bases in the Lake Chad area. However, a recent attack blamed on Boko Haram that killed seven soldiers has revived fears of violence in the region. This has increased the importance of a stable government in Chad to tackle security threats and economic challenges.
Human rights groups have called for an investigation into the killing of opposition figure Yaya Dillo, who was shot dead in February. The government claims he was killed during an attack on the National State Security Agency by his group, The Socialist Party Without Borders. However, a photo of Dillo showed he had a single bullet wound to the head, raising concerns about the election’s fairness. The victory of Mahamat Deby Itno in the election seems all but certain, with preliminary results set to be announced three weeks after polling stations close.
The outcome of the election will have implications for Chad’s stability and regional security, with the country playing a key role in the fight against Boko Haram and hosting a large refugee population from Sudan. The US and France are closely monitoring the situation in Chad, as any instability could impact their military operations in the Sahel region. The international community is hoping for a peaceful and transparent electoral process in Chad to ensure a smooth transition of power and continued cooperation in tackling security challenges.
As the election results are awaited, Chad faces multiple challenges, including economic hardships, security threats, and political uncertainties. The government is under pressure to address these issues and ensure a stable environment for the country and the region. The successful conduct of the election and a peaceful transition of power will be crucial for Chad’s future and its role in maintaining security and stability in the Sahel region.
