Chad: Resumption of hostilities in the North, Two years after the Ceasefire
It all started with an accusation from the FACT (Front for Change and Concord in Chad), which launched the fatal offensive against President Idriss Déby in April 2023. The FACT claimed that a base had been bombed, resulting in three deaths and four injuries. This was accompanied by allegations of a Chadian offensive against its bases in Libya. The Defense Ministry dismisses these claims as mere propaganda. However, the FACT announces the end of the unilateral ceasefire declared in April 2021, shortly after the death of former President Idriss Déby.
Why now?
We all remember the dark circumstances surrounding the death of President Idriss Déby, following his public statements accusing France of being responsible for the fragile democracy in Chad.
After his death, France even violated the most basic laws in force in Chad, against all understanding, to place his son Mahamat Déby in power.
As if that were not enough, French President Emmanuel Macron shamelessly traveled to N’Djamena to officially install the prince in the presidential seat.
The Chadian people refused this, resulting in deaths, and those lucky enough are imprisoned.
With the coup in Niger, Mahamat Deby is one of the presidents, (if he can call be called so), to visit Niamey to meet the ousted President Bazoum.
After the appointment of Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as Prime Minister by the Nigerien junta, he traveled to Chad.
He was welcomed at the airport by his counterpart Saleh Kebzabo before meeting Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno at the presidency.
He carried a message from Niger’s head of state, General Tchiani, expressing solidarity and fraternity between Chad and Niger.
Taking sides with the Nigerien junta is seen as ingratitude, and at the very least a crime in the eyes of France, which is seeking allies to carry out its military intervention project in Niamey through ECOWAS. This imprudent move by the Chadian president is enough to activate dormant rebel groups since April 2021, leading to renewed instability in the Sahel.
In a video broadcast live on social media in Chad, the transitional president, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, issues a warning to rebels during a visit to the Libyan border with soldiers.
What prompted President of the Transition Mahamat Déby to switch sides two years after coming to power?
Neil Camara
