Hassan Magulumali
Mahamat Idriss Déby, the military leader of Chad, has been declared the winner of the presidential election held on May 6, garnering over 60% of the votes according to preliminary results announced on the morning of May 10.
However, his main opponent, Prime Minister Succès Masra, has declared himself the winner, alleging that the results have been tampered with.
The Electoral Commission has stated that Déby defeated Masra by obtaining 18.53% of the votes. While awaiting confirmation from the Constitutional Council, Masra continues to insist that the results have been manipulated.
Déby rose to power following the death of his father, who led Chad for three decades before being killed in clashes with rebels last year. Following these election results, Chad faces a political process marked by controversy and tensions.
Mahamat Idriss Déby is a military leader and politician from Chad who has held various positions in the country’s government.
He gained significant prominence following the death of his father, long-time president Idriss Déby, who was killed in fighting with rebels last year.
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Déby was born in 1983 and received military training both in Chad and abroad. He has built a reputation as a capable military leader and has served in various ranks within the military.
After his father’s death, Mahamat Idriss Déby was appointed as the transitional leader of Chad’s Transitional Military Council and later ran for president in the election held in May 2024.
Déby’s victory means he will have a significant role in leading the country during a period of political, social, and economic challenges.
While some support him as a leader capable of maintaining stability and fostering development, others view him with concern due to his family’s history and the military rule associated with his authority.
Therefore, the future of Chad under the leadership of Mahamat Idriss Déby remains a subject of keen observation both domestically and internationally.
