The Latest Breaking News from Idriss Déby

Chad is making Arabic equal to French in schools: the politics behind the move

In most multilingual African countries, language policy is a highly charged and controversial issue. It touches on regional identity, religion and political power – as is evident in Chad, in central Africa.

The Conversation · Jun 3

Succès Masra: how Chad’s opposition firebrand came to be sentenced to 20 years in prison

Chad’s opposition firebrand and a former prime minister, Succès Masra, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on 9 August. He was accused of inciting violence and hate speech on social media, leading to the death of 42 people in a clash between herders and farmers in the village of…

The Conversation · Aug 12, 2025

Chad’s parliamentary election hands Mahamat Déby absolute control. Here’s why it’s dangerous

Chad held parliamentary elections in late December 2024. The final results released on 21 January 2025 gave the well-established former ruling party, the Movement Patriotique du Salut (MPS), 124 seats out of 188.

The Conversation · Jan 29, 2025

Year of elections has Africa poised for political shake-up in 2024

A third of Africa will head to the polls in 2024, with at major issues on the line in at least 18 countries gearing up for an election year. These include coup-hit Mali, Chad and Burkina Faso – if the junta leaders in those countries stay true to their word.…

Radio France Internationale · Jan 3, 2024

Chad votes "Yes" to new junta-backed constitution

Chadians have voted in favour of a new constitution that critics say could help cement the power of junta leader Mahamat Idriss Déby.

Radio France Internationale · Dec 25, 2023

Egypt and Sudan's international partners try to stop the civil war

Leaders from Sudan’s seven neighboring countries agreed on Thursday in Cairo to a new Egyptian-led initiative seeking to resolve the deepening conflict in the African country.

Radio France Internationale · Jul 14, 2023

Chad picks a fight with Germany – what's behind it and what the consequences are

Chad recently ordered the German ambassador to the country, Dr Gordon Kricke, to leave within 48 hours, accusing him of disrespectful behaviour and disregard for diplomatic protocol. In retaliation, Berlin expelled the Chadian ambassador to Germany. Helga Dickow, a political scientist and expert on Chad, explains the link between the…

The Conversation · Apr 23, 2023

Mass trial opens in Chad over ex-president Idriss Déby's death

The trial of hundreds of alleged rebels accused of assassinating former Chadian president Idriss Déby Itno has got underway in a special court located at a prison outside the capital, N'Djaména. It is the latest mass trial instigated by the transitional government, which has faced opposition from protesters and from…

Radio France Internationale · Feb 14, 2023

A Narrow Escape, a Massacre, an Invite to Washington

U.S. officials hatched a plan to smuggle Chad’s pro-democracy leader to safety—while Washington planned to fete his tormentor.

Foreign Policy · Dec 16, 2022

Dozens killed in Chad as protesters mark 18 months of military rule

Around 30 people died in clashes between police and protesters in Chad on Thursday, the government said, as opponents of ruling general Mahamat Idriss Déby marked the day when he had initially promised to cede power.

Radio France Internationale · Oct 20, 2022