Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to engage in talks with Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Transitional President Republic of Chad today.
The meeting, as reported by the Kremlin press service, will explore opportunities for advancing Russian-Chadian relations across diverse sectors and address pressing regional and international concerns.
This anticipated meeting marks the first interaction between the two leaders. Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno had initially planned to attend the Russia-Africa summit in St.Petersburg last summer; however, circumstances, including Western pressure and a coup in neighboring Niger, led to a downgraded participation. In 2019, his father, former Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno, attended the inaugural Russia-Africa summit held in Sochi.
Representatives from Moscow and N'Djamena emphasize the importance of fortifying bilateral ties. Putin, during the presentation of credentials to newly appointed foreign ambassadors in 2021, underscored the mutual benefits of enhanced relations, highlighting Russian support through the UN World Food Program and commitment to aiding Chad in personnel training, including for the armed forces. Chad's ambassador to Moscow, Adam Beshir, expressed in December the nation's openness to Russia's knowledge export and welcomed visits from specialists.
Political situation in Chad
Chad, a Central African state bordered by Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger, operates as a presidential-parliamentary republic. The 2021 election saw the re-election of Idriss Deby Itno, who had led the country for approximately 30 years. Rebel units invaded Chad from Libya on election day, resulting in the death of President Idriss Deby Itno a few days later as he personally led the operation.
Following this, Mahamat Idriss Debi Itno assumed leadership, establishing a transitional national council and government. In October 2022, authorities and the opposition agreed to extend the transitional period until 2024. The recent Chadian Constitution, endorsed through a December referendum, permits Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to run for the presidency. While the date for the presidential election in Chad remains unset, expectations are for it to occur before the year concludes.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS