Idriss Deby Dies Just After Winning Chad’s Presidential Election

Africa | Chad April 20, 2021

On April 19, 2021 Chad Electoral Commission declared incumbent President Idriss Deby winner of the country’s presidential election held on April 11, 2021. Less than 24 hours later, on April 20, 2021, Idriss Deby was dead at 68.

According to some media reports, Idriss Deby, a Field Marshall, died from wounds sustained on the battlefield with his army that was fighting against rebels in northern Chad.

Former President Idriss Deby was one of the longest serving heads of state in Africa, having ascended to power through a military coup in 1990. He made his lengthy period in office possible through an amendment of the country’s Constitution in 2005, that nullified hitherto two presidential terms limit in Chad. The amendment allowed him to run for a third presidential term and subsequent terms that followed. His latest presidential election victory would have given him a sixth term in office.

Amendment of Constitutions specifically aimed at safeguarding personal political and other interests of incumbent heads of state is common-place in Africa. _________________________ © 2015 - 2021 Africauptodate. All Rights Reserved