Chad’s military leader declared president as PM contests results

Chad’s military leader, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, has been declared the winner of this week’s presidential election, according to provisional results that have been contested by his main rival, the prime minister, Succès Masra.

The national agency that manages Chad’s election released the results of Monday’s vote weeks earlier than planned. The figures showed Itno won with 61% of the vote, with Masra in second on 18.5%. Gunfire erupted in the capital, N’Djamena, after the announcement, though it was unclear if it was celebratory.

Preliminary results had not been due until 21 May. Analysts had expected Itno to win the election after three years of military rule. Itno seized power after his father, who spent three decades in power, was killed fighting rebels in 2021.

The oil-exporting country of nearly 18 million people has not had a free and fair transfer of power since it became independent in 1960.

Hours before the announcement on Thursday, Masra published a speech on Facebook accusing the authorities of planning to manipulate the outcome. Masra claimed victory and called on Chad’s military, police and other security forces to stop following Itno’s orders.

“These orders will lead you to side with the wrong side of Chad’s history. These orders will lead you to fight your brothers and sisters. These orders will lead you to commit the irreparable and unforgivable,” he said. “Refuse to obey these unjust orders!” There was no immediate response from the president’s office.