Tinubu and Seven African Leaders Witness Déby’s Inauguration as Chad’s President

General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who has been leading Chad’s military junta for the past three years, was inaugurated as president on Thursday after a controversial election victory.

Despite international criticism of the election’s credibility, Deby officially secured 61 percent of the vote on May 6. During the swearing-in ceremony, Deby emphasized his commitment to the Chadian people and the responsibility entrusted to him by the nation. The inauguration was witnessed by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, seven African heads of state, Constitutional Council members, and numerous guests.

Clad in his customary white boubou, Deby declared his dedication to a “return to constitutional order” and promised to be a president for all Chadians. Deby assumed the transitional presidency in April 2021 following the death of his father, who had ruled Chad for 30 years.

This event marks the end of three years of military rule in Chad, a country that plays a crucial role in combating jihadism in the Sahel region of Africa. The international community, led by France, swiftly endorsed Deby’s presidency in 2021. However, the opposition has criticized the inauguration as the establishment of a Deby dynasty, with some key figures boycotting the event.

The opposition has faced violent repression in Chad, with its leaders barred from the election. Despite contesting the results and pursuing legal avenues, Masra called on supporters to remain peaceful in their actions.

Deby’s cousin, Yaya Dillo Djerou, a prominent opposition figure, was killed during a military operation on February 28, further highlighting the tensions surrounding the election.

The presence of heads of state at the investiture provided an opportunity to assess international support for the president. The eight African leaders in attendance demonstrated regional solidarity, while other countries sent representatives such as ministers or ambassadors.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited N’Djamena in 2021 to pay respects to the late Marshal Deby, sent his minister for foreign trade and Francophonie, Franck Riester, to the ceremony. Chad remains a significant military ally for France in the Sahel region.

Several Sahel nations, grappling with jihadist insurgencies, have strengthened ties with Russia after distancing themselves from Paris. Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the first to congratulate Deby on his election victory.