Hello everyone and thanks for joining us! Today we will be discussing the first 100 days of Mahamat Déby’s rule and the journey to free and democratic elections in Chad.
It’s been 100 days since Déby took office after the death of his father, Idriss Déby, who succumbed to injuries he sustained on the frontline in April. The Transitional Military Council led by Mahamat Déby took over the country and promised to return Chad to democratic rule in 18 months. Many Chadians were not happy about the appointment of Mahamat Déby, describing the move as unconstitutional.
On the 27th of April, young Chadians took to the streets of N’Djamena, the capital, to demonstrate against military rule. At least five people were reportedly killed in the violent protest. The Chadian administration formed an inclusive national dialogue days after the protest. But nothing much has changed since the military takeover and the rebel group, Fighters of the Front for Change and Concord in Chad, known as FACT, is still considered a threat.
Déby’s promise of a democratic election remains. But people on the ground wonder how realistic that promise is. Some are dubious that a free and fair election will take place.
Our guests are from the University of Maiduguri:
- Ibrahim Umara is professor of political scienceand international relations; and
- Dr Haruna Ayuba is programme coordinator at the Centre for Peace, Diplomatic and Development Studies.
