Chad’s National Assembly has approved sweeping constitutional changes that could allow President Mahamat Idriss Déby to rule indefinitely. The revisions extend presidential terms from five to seven years and, most significantly, remove limits on re-election. Déby took control in 2021 after his father, long-time leader Idriss Déby, died during battle. He later claimed victory in a contested 2024 election. With the ruling party dominating parliament, the revisions passed overwhelmingly—171 votes in favor, none against, and one abstention—leaving final approval by the Senate on October 13 a near certainty. Analysts say the move consolidates Déby’s hold on power, silences dissent, and risks entrenching authoritarian rule in a region already grappling with instability and coups.
Reuters
