The three years of transitional government in Chad has ended with the election and inauguration of Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno as new president.
The swearing-in took place on Thursday and was attended by 8 African Heads of States. Cameron was represented by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, who sat in for president Paul Biya.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in the capital in N’Djamena, Deby said: “To my brothers and sisters who did not choose me … I would like to say that I respect your choice, which contributes to the vitality of our democracy.”
His speech proves that the government is out to make peace with the opposition who continue to contest his victory denouncing it as promoting a “Deby dynasty”, accusing the clan and its allies of controlling the main institutions of power.
But Deby was duly elected by 61 percent of the votes which were free and fair according to most international observers.
The new president is already setting up a new government after his former prime minister and main challenger of the election, Succes Masra, resigned after the results were officially released.
Following the inauguration, Chad has named Allamaye Halina, who was previously its ambassador to China, the new prime minister in a decree read out on state television. He will succeed Succes Masra.
