N’DJAMENA: Chad’s military leader, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, on Saturday announced his candidacy for the upcoming May 6 presidential election, just days after the mysterious killing of his main rival, Yaya Dillo Djerou. Deby Itno, who assumed power in 2021 following his father’s death, announced his candidacy under the banner of the For a United Chad coalition.
The announcement comes amidst growing controversy surrounding the election process, with concerns raised by human rights groups over the circumstances of Dillo’s death. Dillo, a prominent opposition leader, was allegedly killed by security forces in an assault on his party’s headquarters in N’Djamena.
Deby Itno’s Candidacy for Presidential Election
Deby Itno, 39, is expected to secure victory in the election, given the absence of a noteworthy challenger following Dillo’s assassination and the repression of opposition voices in the country. The opposition has accused the government of silencing dissent and undermining the democratic process.
Despite promises of a return to civilian rule and elections within 18 months, Deby Itno extended the transition period by two years, leading to protests that were violently suppressed by security forces in 2022.
The circumstances surrounding Dillo’s death have raised concerns about the political environment in Chad and the safety of opposition figures. Human Rights Watch has called for an independent investigation into Dillo’s killing, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
