Chad swears in new president after disputed election, ends ears of military rule

Chad has sworn in Mahamat Deby Itno as the president on Thursday after he emerged winner of the recently conducted poll.

His victory paved the way for transition to democratic rule after he seized power three years ago.

Deby Itno, also known as Mahamat Idriss Deby, took power after his father Idriss Deby Itno was killed fighting rebels in 2021 after ruling the country for three decades. The long-delayed May 6 election came after three years of military rule.

His main rival, Succès Masra, who contested the results earlier this month, resigned from his post as prime minister on Wednesday.

He was allowed to return last year and was appointed prime minister to appease the opposition.

Mr. Masra had earlier claimed victory, alleging that electoral fraud was being planned to ease the win for his rival, Mahamat Idriss Deby.

He later accepted defeat after Chad’s state election body declared Deby had won the election with 61% of the vote.

Mr. Masra, in his resignation letter, said there were no other legal means to contest the results, which declared the incumbent president the winner.

Speaking during his presidential address, Deby Itno assured that his government would focus on improving Chad’s agricultural and farming sectors, and investing in education, access to water and healthcare.

“I’ve heard your yearning for change, and I’ve understood you. Let’s all play our part, individually and collectively, to bring about the change we all hope, desire and expect,” he said.

The win for President Deby means that he would continue his family’s hold on power since his father took over in a coup in the early 1990s.