Chad Swears in President After Disputed Election

Chad has sworn in Mahamat Deby Itno as its new president, following a disputed election earlier this month. Deby Itno, who seized power three years ago after his father's death, has completed a transition to democratic rule, albeit a controversial one.

Deby Itno's father, Idriss Deby Itno, ruled Chad for three decades before being killed fighting rebels in 2021. The May 6 election was delayed and marked the end of three years of military rule.

However, the transition has been disputed by Deby Itno's main rival, Succès Masra, who contested the election results and resigned as prime minister on Wednesday. Masra had been involved in protests against Deby Itno's decision to extend his power and was forced to flee the country in 2022. He was allowed to return last year and was appointed prime minister, only to claim that he had won the election and file an appeal against the results, which was later dismissed.

Chad, an oil-exporting country of nearly 18 million people, has not had a democratic power transfer since gaining independence from French colonial rule in 1960.

In his first presidential address, Deby Itno outlined his government's focus on boosting Chad's agricultural and farming sectors, as well as investing in education, access to water, and healthcare.

The swearing-in ceremony marks a new chapter for Chad, but the disputed election and Masra's resignation have raised concerns about the country's democratic future.