The new military junta in Chad has named Albert Pahimi Padacke as Prime Minister of the Transitional Government on Monday. This is coming a week after President Idriss Deby’s death on the frontline against insurgents.
The military council led by Deby’s son, Mahamat Idriss Deby seized power after Deby was killed as he visited troops fighting rebels on April 19. Civil liberties including members of the opposition have called the military takeover a coup, and many have dismissed the news of the appointment of the new premier as farce.
Although it promised to midwife an 18-month transition to elections, international pressure is mounting for hand over to civilians as soon as possible. The African Union has expressed “grave concern” about the military takeover, while France and regional powers are pushing for a civilian-military option.
Padacke served as prime minister from 2016 to 2018, and was seen as one of Deby’s allies, despite running against him several times. He came second with 10.3% of the vote in an April 11 election. Deby was declared the winner right before he was killed.
Yacine Abderamane, president of the opposition Reformist Party rejected Padacke’s nomination.
“It is not up to the transitional military council to designate a prime minister in this isolated manner. We want there to be talks between political parties, civil society and other actors in order to reach a consensus,” he said.
The junta on Sunday vowed to root out FACT leader Mahamat Mahadi Ali, accusing him of “war crimes” and seeking help from neighbouring countries to track him down along with his guerrillas.
