Chad’s main opposition party has described the swearing-in of Mahamat Idriss Déby as the interim president for another two years as evidence of democratic regression, reported The BBC.
Ndolembai Njesada, the deputy leader of “The Transformers”, also criticised the decision that allows Mr Déby to contest in the next election. He likened it to being both a player and the referee in a football game.
Mr Njesada has threatened to set up a parallel government.
On Monday, Chad’s military leader, Mahamat Deby, who took over in April last year after his father’s demise, was inaugurated as the country’s interim president in the capital city of N’Djamena.
Former President Idriss Deby died of gunshot injuries in April 2021 after he was hit while fighting rebels in the north. The ex-military officer had just won a sixth term after the provisional election results were declared. Following his death, the army appointed a Transitional Military Council with 15 generals that was headed by Deby.
On Saturday, Chad’s national forum officially dissolved the Transitional Military Council, which had ruled the country for the past 18 months. The transition period would have ended this month without any extension.
In accordance with the conclusions of the dialogue that was held from August 20 to October 8, Déby will still lead the transition for another months.
Among a raft of resolutions adopted under a revised transition charter, the forum also ratified Deby’s right to seek for the presidency after the transition. Key opposition groups and rebel forces did not take part in the national dialogue.
After taking the oath, Chad’s junta chief Deby on Monday said a government of national union would be created in the coming days to steer the course toward elections.
He ensured the elections will be held, transparently and peacefully, to put an end to the transition and ensure the return to constitutional order.
