Under President Mahamat Idriss Déby, Chad’s ruling party has imprisoned opposition leaders, dissolved the country’s main opposition coalition, and amended the constitution to allow unlimited seven-year presidential terms—effectively dismantling the country’s fledgling multiparty democracy and placing it on the path toward renewed authoritarianism. The move follows years of restrictions on demonstrations and deadly crackdowns on protests. While the shrinking democratic space benefits Déby and his Patriotic Salvation Movement, concentrating power with the executive, the reverse is the case for civil society, ordinary Chadians, and regional democratic norms. However, Chad’s history shows that suppressing dissent breeds violent radicalization. Long term, Déby’s heavy-handedness could increase the risk of insurgency, coups, or extremist recruitment, particularly among the youth.
ISS Africa
