General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno Inaugurated as Chad's President

General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who has led Chad's junta for the past three years, is set to be inaugurated as the country's president on Thursday. This follows a contested election victory where Deby officially secured 61 percent of the vote on May 6. However, international NGOs have criticized the election results, citing concerns about credibility and freedom. His main opponent has dismissed the election as a sham.

Deby took on the role of transitional president in April 2021 after his father, long-time president Idriss Deby Itno, was assassinated by rebels. The upcoming swearing-in ceremony marks the end of military rule in Chad, a nation crucial in the fight against militancy in the Sahel region of Africa.

In 2021, Deby received swift endorsement from the international community, particularly from France. The investiture also raises questions raised by the opposition regarding the potential establishment of a Deby dynasty in Chad.

Prime Minister Succes Masra, a former critic of Deby who later served as prime minister, resigned after his party's defeat in the election. Masra, who received 18.5 percent of the vote, contested the results but faced accusations of being aligned with the junta.

Chad's opposition, which has experienced repression, has denounced the election process. The leading opposition candidate, Yaya Dillo Djerou, was killed during a military operation earlier this year. The international community's response to Deby's inauguration, including the presence of foreign leaders, will indicate the level of support for the 40-year-old president.

Despite being one of the world's poorest nations, Chad holds strategic importance for France in the Sahel region. French President Macron, one of the few leaders to congratulate Deby, is sending a minister to the ceremony. Some Sahel nations have sought support from Russia amid militant threats, with Putin being an early supporter of Deby's election.

The upcoming inauguration of General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno as Chad's president marks a significant transition for the country, moving away from military rule. However, concerns about the election's credibility and the potential consolidation of power within the Deby family linger. The international community's response and support for Deby will shape the country's future trajectory in the Sahel region.