Central Africa’s main regional body, the CEEAC has named Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi as a facilitator for the political transition process in Chad.
The Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC) held an emergency summit in Kinshasa on Tuesday to deliberate on the situation in Chad, after about 50 people were killed in protests last week against military leader Mahamat Idriss Deby.
Chad has been enmeshed in political upheaval since longtime ruler Idriss Deby died on the battlefield in April 2021. Following his demise, his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, seized power.
Deby has said he will organise elections in 2024, reneging on an initial plan to hand over power after 18 months.
Opposition parties and civil society groups kicked against the move and called for demonstrations to demand a quicker return to democracy.
“I thank you for the honour of entrusting me with this facilitation mission to Chad during its transition period,” Tshisekedi told the summit. Other officials from the CEEAC were also named as special envoys for the mission.