Chad: General Deby Itno arrested by the army
Last Wednesday, dramatic events unfolded in Chadian politics as the army arrested General Saley Deby Itno, the uncle of the transitional president, Mahamat Idriss Deby. Gunshots were reported in Ndjamena as the defense forces launched an operation to capture the general.
Tensions between the ousted general and the Chadian government escalated following his recent defection from the ruling party, the Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), to join the Socialist Party without Borders (PSF) on February 10. This decision was perceived as a betrayal by the authorities.
In response, army members carried out a raid on his residence, leading to his arrest.
He was taken to the Presidential Palace, where a group of high-ranking members of the Chadian army, currently in power, awaited him.
These developments come on the eve of the announcement of the presidential election schedule in Chad.
The first round is scheduled for May 6, 2024. The recent political events and the general’s arrest could have significant repercussions on the country during this tense electoral period.
Neil Camara
