Chadian Civil Society Actors Reject New Military Council Under Deby’s Son

Following the death of Chadian leader, Idriss Deby Itno on Tuesday, April 20 and the formation of a military council headed by his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, a coalition in the country has rejected the takeover by the army. 

The coalition which comprises  civil society organisations, defenders of human rights and some leaders of political parties, meeting under the canopy of the Coordination of Citizen Actions, on Tuesday declared that the army takeover was unconstitutional.

“It is evident that the categorical refusal of dialogue has led to a violent response by rebel groups, and today, that has ended in the death of the President of the Republic,”declared Max Loalngar, one of the leaders of the Coordination of Citizen Actions.

To the leaders of the Coordination, the constitution has not been respected. “We unfortunately note that those close to power do not understand the determination of the people and have thus seized power by appointing his son (Idriss Deby) as if this is a monarchy without respecting the constitution in vigour,” the Coordination said in N’Djamena, the Chadian capital.

According to the Coordination, it was more urgent to contribute towards the edification of a civil and democratic power which can ensure an inclusive and peaceful transition. 

It has therefore called on citizens to “categorically reject the taking over of power by force.” 

The Coordination has called on sub officers and officers of the national army who “still feel attached to the Republic to take their responsibility by supporting the demands of the people.”