General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who has led Chad’s military junta for the past three years, has been officially sworn in as president on Thursday following a contested election.
Deby secured 61 percent of the vote on May 6, an election criticized by international NGOs as neither credible nor free, and labeled a “masquerade” by his main rival.
During the inauguration at the Palace of Arts and Culture in N’Djamena, attended by eight African heads of state and numerous dignitaries, Deby took the oath of office, pledging to serve the Chadian people and uphold the duties entrusted to him.
In his speech, he declared a “return to constitutional order” and vowed to be a president for all Chadians, regardless of background or political affiliation.
Deby first came to power in April 2021 after his father, long-time president Idriss Deby Itno, was killed by rebels.
The younger Deby’s installation as transitional president by a junta of generals marked the beginning of military rule, which has now officially ended with his election as president. This transition is seen as crucial for Chad, a key player in the fight against jihadism in the Sahel region.
Prime Minister Succes Masra, Deby’s main opponent, resigned just before the inauguration, protesting the election results which he claimed were fraudulent.
Masra, who garnered 18.5 percent of the vote, did not attend the inauguration and has called for peaceful mobilization among his supporters.
The inauguration ceremony also highlighted international support for Deby, with notable attendees from African nations and representatives from other countries, including France and Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron sent his foreign trade minister, reflecting the ongoing French military presence in Chad, while Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the first to congratulate Deby on his election victory.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Tragedy as policeman mistakenly shoots colleague to death in Nigeria