Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed satisfaction with the perceived stabilisation efforts of Chad’s President, Mahamat Idriss Déby, who assumed power in a coup three years ago after his father’s killing by rebels in 2021. The two leaders met in Moscow on Wednesday, highlighting Russia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its influence in Africa.
Déby’s junta initially pledged an 18-month transition to elections but later postponed them until October of the current year. In December, the group conducted a controversial referendum on a new constitution, which was criticised for potentially consolidating Déby’s power. Despite concerns, the government commission reported that about 86% of participating Chadians voted in favour of the new constitution.
During their meeting, Putin commended Déby, stating, “We are glad that it was possible to hold a referendum on the constitution. I am confident that the elections will be held at a high level in the near future. We are glad that you have managed to stabilise the situation in the country.”
Russia has been actively cultivating ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all of which are currently under military control and have severed ties with their former colonial power, France.