Chad: President Deby sworn in for a fifth term

A day after violent protests against his fifth term in office, Chadian President Idriss Deby was sworn in on Monday.

Deby took his oath in the presence of heads of state including Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Joseph Kabila.

In his speech ,Deby his commitment to collectively fight terrorism.

“In an unstable world, and in the midst of Africa facing new torments of history, our country must continue its policy of active solidarity with our brothers and sisters who suffer whilst defending obscurantism and barbarism,” he said to a rousing applause.

The demonstration, organised by the opposition for Saturday and Sunday denounced the government, describing Deby’s regime as dictatorial.

Deby now in power for 26 years, won April’s election with 61.6 percent of the votes, with opposition leader Saleh Kebzaho taking 12.8 percent.

Chadians have repeatedly complained about restrictions on civil liberties and poor living and working conditions, calling on him to resign.

Opposition parties, which have been contesting Deby’s re-election, have vowed to maintain resistance against his leadership.

AFP