Tchad : new political chapter and electoral stakes Spécial

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Succès Masra, a former opponent of the current regime, has been appointed Prime Minister by transitional President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. The appointment marks a turning point in Chadian politics, replacing Saleh Kebzabo, a long-standing opponent of former president Idriss Déby Itno. Succès Masra, leader of the Les Transformateurs party, was known for his strong opposition to the military regime led by Idriss Déby Itno's son, which led to his exile following the violent repression of demonstrations in October 2022. His return to Chad in November 2023, following a reconciliation agreement with the transitional government, marked a new chapter in the country's politics. In his first international interview, he expressed his confidence in the current transition and spoke of the preparations for the elections promised for the end of 2024.

Meanwhile, the Mouvement Patriotique du Salut has nominated Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, the current head of the junta, as its candidate. This decision was contested by the opposition and civil society platform Wakit Tamma. The new transitional government, headed by Succès Masra, comprises 41 members, including 5 ministers of state and 11 secretaries of state. Some ministers have retained their posts, while new appointments have been made, reflecting a desire for renewal in the executive. Debates are taking place on the establishment of a National Elections Management Agency (Ange), criticized for its lack of independence. This agency, if set up, will have the task of organizing all electoral operations in the country, but its composition and powers are raising concerns about its ability to guarantee free and fair elections.

Meanwhile, educational initiatives are taking place, such as the integration of Koranic schools into the official national curriculum. This initiative aims to ensure education in the country by offering a more diversified education to Koranic school pupils, while protecting them from the harmful influences of extremist groups, notably Boko Haram.

At the same time, almost 900 fighters from the Chadian rebel group UFDD have returned to the country to join the disarmament process, in accordance with an agreement signed in 2022. This initiative aims to reintegrate ex-combatants into society and promote stability in the country, although challenges remain as to the successful reintegration of these fighters into civilian life. However, tensions persist in the country, particularly with regard to supposed discussions on hosting Palestinian refugees, which the Chadian government has formally rejected. This controversy underlines the political and humanitarian stakes facing Chad, particularly in terms of foreign policy and refugee management.

Finally, transitional President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno also undertook an official visit to Russia, seeking to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, including agriculture and mining.