Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno Sworn in as Chad's President Amid Controversy

N’DJAMENA,CHAD — Chad's president-elect, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, was sworn in on Thursday at a ceremony in the capital, N’Djamena, attended by several leaders from the region. Deby’s inauguration came a week after the constitutional council confirmed his victory in the disputed 6 May election, in which he secured 61 percent of the vote.

Deby, a career soldier, seized power three years ago following the death of his father, Idriss Déby, who had ruled Chad with an iron fist for three decades. Initially promising to hold elections within 18 months, Deby’s government postponed the poll, eventually allowing him to run for president.

Opposition leader Succes Masra, a staunch opponent of the junta, garnered 18.5 percent of the vote. Masra unsuccessfully challenged the election results, which international NGOs criticized as neither credible nor free. Masra resigned as Prime Minister on Wednesday and did not attend the inauguration ceremony.

Deby's inauguration marks a significant moment in Chad's political history, as the country was the first in a string of nations in the region to experience coups in the past four years and subsequently hold elections.

In his inaugural speech, Deby addressed the need for national unity and pledged to work towards stabilizing the country. However, the controversial nature of his ascent to power and the disputed election results continue to cast a shadow over his presidency.

International observers and NGOs have called for greater transparency and democratic reforms in Chad. As Deby embarks on his term, the international community will be watching closely to see how he navigates the challenges ahead and whether he can bring about the promised political stability and progress.