Chad Referendum Expands Presidential Power Amid Opposition Criticism
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Chad held a referendum on a new constitution that expands presidential powers. The government claimed 86% voted yes, despite opposition protests and calls for more decentralization.
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President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who took power after his father's death in 2021, had promised an 18-month transition to elections but has now delayed elections until 2024 and removed term limits, allowing him to run.
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The referendum outcome was predetermined and part of Deby's plan to extend his rule, following the authoritarian playbook of his late father who ruled for 30 years.
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Unlike other African countries, Deby maintains French backing for providing regional security against rebels, enabling France to keep military influence despite growing anti-French sentiment.
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Deby faces complications from allegedly allowing UAE weapons transfers via Chad to Sudanese paramilitaries fighting the army, further destabilizing the region and angering ethnic groups in both countries.