Deby inaugurated for fifth term

Chad’s President Idriss Deby Monday took the oath of office for a fifth term in a tense ceremony attended by several African presidents, including Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and the French defence minister. Police at the weekend cracked down on dissenting activists, leaving at least one person dead, according to opposition and security sources. President […]

Chad’s President Idriss Deby Monday took the oath of office for a fifth term in a tense ceremony attended by several African presidents, including Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and the French defence minister.
Police at the weekend cracked down on dissenting activists, leaving at least one person dead, according to opposition and security sources.
President Deby won the Sahelian nation’s election in April, leaving the opposition crying foul.
“I am the president of all Chadians,” President 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”.
President Deby, who first came to power in 1990, was re-elected in a first-round vote in April with around 60 per cent of ballots cast, against almost 13 per cent for opposition leader Saleh Kebzabo.