Stakeholders involved in the ongoing transition process in Chad Republic have been advised to maintain peace and stability to safeguard the significant progress made so far in the country’s journey back to democracy.
The 2024 Chad Republic’s Presidential Election was slated for May 6th and June 22nd, 2024 after a national referendum held in 2023. The democratic process of the country was disrupted in December 2021 when the Former President, Idris Deby was killed in military action, leading to the formation of the transitional government, led by his son, Mahamat Deby, who is also running for president in the ongoing electoral process.
In a statement released on Sunday, May 5th, 2024, Special Envoy to Tchad of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, congratulated the Transitional Authorities, the Chadian people, and all friends of Chad for their journey towards a democratic constitutional order through peaceful elections.
Acknowledging the challenges encountered during the transition phase, Ambassador Kingibe commended the Chadian people for their patriotism, mutual tolerance, and willingness to compromise. He stressed the crucial need to uphold peace and order throughout the electoral process and beyond, urging all presidential candidates, political factions, and citizens to await the results patiently as announced by the authorized body, ANGE.
The Special Envoy urged any disputes or grievances to be resolved peacefully in accordance with electoral protocols and laws or through judicial channels. Ambassador Kingibe cautioned that any other course of action would jeopardize the considerable progress and sacrifices made by all parties involved and reiterated the unwavering support of the Lake Chad Basin Commission Leaders for a peaceful transition to a new democratic constitutional order in Chad.
“The transition journey has been arduous, marked by contentious debates. Nonetheless, the Chadian people have faced these challenges head-on, weathering political and security storms to reach this pivotal moment. Hence, I implore all presidential candidates, political entities, and citizens to maintain the peace and orderliness witnessed during the campaigns, stay composed post-voting, and await the election results as announced by ANGE, the legally mandated body.
“I further urge that any disputes, grievances, or complaints be addressed peacefully, adhering to established electoral protocols and laws, or if necessary, through judicial means. The alternative could undermine the significant progress and sacrifices made by all parties. “I wish to reaffirm the steadfast support of the Lake Chad Basin Commission Leaders as Chad anticipates the peaceful establishment of a new democratic constitutional order,” he concluded.
The statement by the Special Envoy serves as a reminder of the criticality of peaceful and democratic elections in Chad’s transition process and underscores the imperative for all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring the nation’s stability and prosperity.