In Chad, it is therefore no surprise that Mahamat Idriss Déby declared himself a candidate for the presidential election on May 6 on Saturday. This entry into the campaign nonetheless remains a reversal from its initial position.
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With our special correspondent in Ndjamena, François Mazet
When he took power in April 2021, Idriss Déby Itno’s son promised to return it to civilians after the elections. By declaring on SaturdayMahamat Idriss Déby assured that he “ didn’t think I would be a candidate » but that he had been “ convinced » by mobilizing in its favor.
A change of direction that his supporters defend, and which does not surprise his opponents. The promise to leave was a lure » say opponents of the transition, such as former minister Neatobei Bidi Valentin, member of the Consultation Group of Political Actors (GCAP): “ I strongly denounce the false promise, the word that is not respected. They say that when a soldier, an officer, promises something, it is solemn, it must be respected. But personally, I had no illusions about his intentions. Mahamat Kaka [Déby, NDLR] came to power not to leave, but to stay. » Neatobei Bidi Valentin adds that the African Union has been “ gnawed “.
Chad had escaped sanctions, but the AU Peace and Security Council has consistently asked transition leaders not to take part in the election.
A coalition of 211 parties
But for those supporting the candidacy of Mahamat Idriss Déby, like François Ndjékombé, of the Sacred Union for the Republic, the resolutions of the national dialogue and the Constitution take precedence: “ We believe that it has managed the transition very well, unlike other countries. I am of the opinion that the charter of the African Union is supranational. But I believe that Chadians, in a sovereign manner, came together at the level of inclusive and sovereign national dialogue and all barriers to the candidacy of transition leaders have been lifted. »
François Ndjékombé calls on the African Union to support the return to constitutional order in Chad.
Mahamat Idriss Déby benefits from the support of his father’s party, the MPS, and a coalition comprising 211 parties and a thousand civil society organizations. To present himself, he must still be available from the army. Submission of applications begins on Wednesday.