Protests erupted in Chad after the Chadian president and head of the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement, Idriss Deby, announced his intention to run for office for a sixth term in the forthcoming April elections. Several arrests have been made including that of Mahamat Nour Ibedou, a prominent Chadian human rights activist.

Issues to Consider

Deby has been in power since 1990 and is one of the longest-serving presidents on the African continent. In 2018, he oversaw a new constitution that reinstated term limits but would let him stay in power until 2033. The post of prime minister was abolished, and the presidential term was changed from five years––with no term limits––to six years with a limit of two terms. However, this amendment is only being applied post factum, meaning Deby can run for office again and stay for two more 6-year terms. 

When Deby took over the government in 1990 and suspended the constitution, he promised to deliver a multiparty democracy to Chad. In 1996, a new constitution was approved and Deby was elected president in the first multiparty presidential elections. While progress was made in establishing peace between Chad and some of its neighbours, Deby’s regime is widely considered repressive and conflicts persist. 

Despite being oil rich, millions in Chad remain poor and impoverished. The country ranks 187 out of 189 in the UN’s Human Development Index. The country’s long history of conflict has created an impediment to its economic development.

What’s Next for Chad? 

Members of 12 opposition parties have proposed to field a joint single candidate in order to provide a strong opposition base against Deby. They also signed a deal to create an electoral coalition called Alliance Victoire (Victory Alliance). But what are the odds of removing a man like Deby through an election? It remains to see.