In a move that starkly concludes what was once touted as a democratic transition, Chad’s parliament has formally adopted a new constitution that institutes a seven-year presidential term, renewable without limit. This decision effectively legalizes a potential lifelong presidency for Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who seized power in 2021 following the death of his father, who ruled for over three decades.
The new charter, approved by a parliament dominated by Déby’s allies, replaces the previous six-year, two-term limit. This constitutional overhaul is not merely a technical adjustment; it is a strategic consolidation of power that buries the promises of the national sovereign dialogue which had initially proposed a return to a more balanced political system. The move signals a definitive return to the “imperial presidency” model that has long characterized politics in the Sahel, raising alarms for democrats across the continent.
Regional Implications and the Authoritarian Playbook
Chad’s decision fits a disturbing regional pattern and carries significant consequences:
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The Sahelian Domino Effect: Following similar actions in Guinea and other states, Chad’s move reinforces a dangerous blueprint for incumbents across Central and West Africa: use a controlled “transition” to legitimize permanent rule. This could embolden other leaders in the region to follow suit.
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A Fortress Against Instability? The government and its supporters will likely frame this consolidation as necessary for stability in a volatile region beset by jihadist insurgencies. However, conflating national security with the indefinite rule of one man often sows the seeds for long-term instability and succession crises.
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International Complicity: The international community, particularly France and other Western powers that view Chad as a key counter-terrorism partner, faces a dilemma. Will strategic security interests once again trump principled support for democracy and constitutional order?
The adoption of this constitution marks not an end, but a beginning. It sets the stage for Déby to formally contest and likely win the upcoming presidential election, transforming his interim leadership into a de facto monarchy. For the people of Chad, the promise of a new democratic dawn has been extinguished, replaced by the long shadow of a new, potentially endless, Déby dynasty.
Chad’s parliament adopted on Friday a constitutional revision that extends presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable without limits.
The amendment was backed by 236 votes, with none against, out of the 257 members from both parliamentary chambers.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was proclaimed transitional president by army generals in 2021 after his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had ruled Chad for 30 years, was killed in a gun battle with rebels.
