Categories: World

Chad’s military leader wins disputed presidential election

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for May 9

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

Chad’s military leader, Mahamat Deby Itno, was declared the winner of this week’s presidential election, according to provisional results released Thursday. The results were contested by his main rival, Prime Minister Succès Masra.

The national agency that manages Chad’s election released results of Monday’s vote weeks earlier than planned. The figures showed Deby Itno won with just over 61% of the vote, with the runner-up Masra falling far behind with over 18.5% of the vote. Gunfire erupted in the capital following the announcement.

Preliminary results were initially expected on May 21.

CHAD HOLDS LONG-AWAITED PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SET TO END YEARS OF MILITARY RULE

Chad held its long delayed presidential election following three years of military rule, a vote that analysts widely expected the incumbent to win. Deby Itno, also known as Mahamat Idriss Deby, seized power after his father, who spent three decades in power, was killed fighting rebels in 2021.

The oil-exporting country of nearly 18 million people hasn’t had a free-and-fair transfer of power since it became independent in 1960 after decades of French colonial rule.

Hours ahead of Thursday’s announcement, Masra published a speech on Facebook accusing the authorities of planning to manipulate the outcome.

Chadian interim President Mahamat Deby Itno casts his ballot, in N’djamena, Chad, Monday, May 6, 2024, in a long delayed presidential election that is set to end three years of military rule. (AP Photo/Mouta)

During the 11 minute speech, Masra appeared in a blue suit at a podium with the national flag in the background and claimed victory, saying the incumbent was planning to reverse the outcome of the vote. He called on Chad’s military, police and other security forces to stop following Deby Itno’s orders.

“These orders will lead you to side with the wrong side of Chad’s history, these orders will lead you to fight your brothers and sisters, these orders will lead you to commit the irreparable and unforgivable,” he said in the speech. “Refuse to obey these unjust orders!”

There was no immediate response from the president’s office.

Masra, president of The Transformers opposition party, fled Chad in October 2022. The country’s military government at the time suspended his party and six others in a clampdown on protests against Deby Itno’s decision to extend his time in power by two more years. More than 60 people were killed in the protests, which the government condemned as “an attempted coup.”

An agreement between the country’s minister of reconciliation and Masra’s political party late last year allowed the exiled politician and other opposition figures to return to Chad. He was later appointed prime minister.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Chad is seen by the U.S. and France as one of the last remaining stable allies in the vast Sahel region following military coups in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in recent years. The ruling juntas in all three nations have expelled French forces and turned to Russia’s mercenary units for security assistance instead.

Share

Recent Posts

Americans have clear opinions on Trump’s performance in his first 50 days

On the eve of his 50th day back in office, President Donald Trump is touting…

2 hours ago

Rashida Tlaib becomes lone House lawmaker opposing cracking down on Mexican cartels’ border tunnel system

The House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at cracking down on Mexican cartels' use…

2 hours ago

Trump’s union-endorsed pick confirmed by Senate to lead Labor Department

The Senate confirmed former Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to head the Department of Labor, marking…

2 hours ago

Fox News Politics Newsletter: Fed Funding Plan Faltering?

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration,…

2 hours ago

Rubio says mineral deal ‘not main topic on agenda’ in Ukraine meeting

close Video Dan Hoffman says bringing Russia and Ukraine to negotiating table is a ‘real…

3 hours ago

Alleged kidnapping attempt thwarted after victim slipped witness an SOS note at Utah gas station

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for March 10 Fox News Flash top headlines…

4 hours ago