Idriss Deby Itno, the late President of Chad, was a prominent figure in African politics and a crucial partner for Western nations in the fight against Islamist extremism on the continent. His sudden assassination on April 20 has left Chad in a state of uncertainty regarding its future leadership. The nation now confronts a significant power void following his three-decade rule, with his son Mahamat Idriss Deby stepping in to head the transitional government for the next 18 months.
Assassination of President Idriss Deby Itno
On April 20, 2021, President Idriss Deby Itno was killed during clashes with a rebel group known as the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT). The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, but it was reported that he succumbed to injuries sustained while commanding his army against the rebels in the north of Chad. This event abruptly ended his 30-year tenure as the leader of Chad, a period marked by his firm grip on power and involvement in regional security issues.
Deby’s Long-Term Presidency
Since seizing power in a rebellion in 1990, Idriss Deby Itno had been at the helm of Chadian politics. His rule was characterized by a strong military presence and an often criticized record on human rights. Despite this, Deby managed to maintain relative stability in the country and positioned himself as a key player in regional counterterrorism efforts. He was re-elected several times, with the last election victory coming just before his death, extending his presidency which had already spanned three decades.
Chad’s Role in Anti-Islamist Extremism Campaign
Under President Deby’s leadership, Chad became an essential ally of Western nations, particularly France and the United States, in their campaign against Islamist extremism in Africa. The Chadian military is considered one of the most capable forces in the Sahel region, often contributing troops to international peacekeeping missions and engaging in direct combat with jihadist groups such as Boko Haram. Deby’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts earned him support from Western governments, despite various domestic challenges and controversies.
The Leadership Vacuum and Transitional Government
The death of President Deby has plunged Chad into a precarious situation, with concerns about a leadership vacuum that could destabilize the country and the broader region. The Chadian constitution calls for the speaker of parliament to take over in the event of a president’s death, but instead, a military council moved quickly to install Deby’s son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, as the head of a transitional government. This has raised questions about the legitimacy of the succession and the future of democracy in Chad.
Mahamat Idriss Deby’s Role as Transitional Leader
Mahamat Idriss Deby, a four-star general and the son of the late president, has taken the reins of the country as the head of the transitional military council. He will lead the transitional government for 18 months until elections are held. The younger Deby faces the daunting task of navigating Chad through a period of mourning and uncertainty, while also dealing with internal political tensions and ongoing security threats from rebel groups and extremists.
The future of Chad hangs in the balance as it grapples with the aftermath of President Idriss Deby Itno’s assassination and the challenges of transitioning to a new government. The international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful and democratic resolution that can sustain the fight against extremism and promote stability in the region.
