The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
N’Djamena, Chad | AFP |
Chad’s President Idriss Deby took the oath of office Monday for a fifth term in power, facing dogged resistance from an opposition that alleges his re-election was a “political hold-up”.
With tensions high a day after the death of a protester during an opposition march, around 14 African heads of state attended the swearing-in ceremony, including the presidents of Nigeria and Niger, both, like Chad, battling the Boko Haram jihadist group.
“I am the president of all Chadians,” Deby said in his inauguration speech.
The 64-year-old veteran leader promised “a relentless battle against terrorism everywhere it threatens our interests and our security”.
Other Chadian allies, including leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Mauritania, gathered for the ceremony at a large hotel in the capital N’Djamena. Also present were presidents of Uganda, Rwanda, DRC and Sudan.
French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian from the former colonial power also attended, sparking opposition dismay.
Deby, who first came to power in 1990, was re-elected in a first-round vote in April with around 60 percent of ballots cast, against almost 13 percent for opposition leader Saleh Kebzabo.
The opposition, which contests Deby’s re-election, has vowed to maintain a general strike throughout the day following a government crackdown at the weekend.
One young protester was shot dead on Sunday, opposition and police sources said, with Kebzabo saying he had been hit by live bullets fired by security forces to disperse the protesters.
Kebzabo said he was “surprised and disappointed” by France’s decision to send a high ranking representative.
The opposition wants the international community to recognise the “dictatorial nature” of Deby’s regime.
He told AFP the opposition was Monday holding a general strike to create what it called a “dead city” in protest against Deby’s return to power.
‘We’re in the right’
Kebzabo had on Saturday declared: “We are in the right. It’s the government that is acting illegally by preventing political parties from expressing themselves.”
Opposition activists have also announced the filing of a complaint in court alleging “high treason” by Deby, claiming “illegal taking of power by violence” and “misuse of public money”.
The opposition called Deby’s re-election a “political hold-up”, saying its own count showed no candidate won outright in the first round.
The election campaign was marred by a clampdown on demonstrations by unions and rights groups demanding a change of leadership and democratic reforms.
Arrests and disappearances of activists are common in the nation of 12 million people.
The situation in the oil-producing semi-desert country, a key player in the fight against west African jihadist groups, has been tense in recent months.
The opposition has laid partial blame on France, claiming it has turned a blind eye to alleged human rights violations.
Chad is an active ally of Western nations and its neighbours in the battle against the Nigeria-based Islamists of Boko Haram. N’Djamena is also the headquarters for France’s Barkhane anti-jihadist force.
Despite the regime’s strict security set-up, Chad has seen unusual social tension this year.
The gang rape of a schoolgirl by the sons of senior officials triggered angry demonstrations around the country, which were severely dealt with by the authorities.
The government has also been weakened by a difficult economic situation linked to the collapse in the price of oil. Strikes by officials over late salary payments have been growing.
