Tensions are high in Chad following the death of Yaya Dillo Djerou, leader of the opposition Socialist Party Without Borders. Djerou was killed on Wednesday during a military raid on the party’s headquarters, just days after the announcement of a presidential election in May.
The opposition claims Djerou was executed at point-blank range, while the government maintains he died in a shootout after resisting arrest. This conflicting narrative has cast a shadow over the upcoming vote and raised concerns about violence.
Djerou was seen as a serious challenger to the current transitional president, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who came to power in a military takeover in 2021. Djerou’s death removes a key opposition figure and throws the fairness of the election into question.
The international community has expressed concern about the situation. The UN Secretary-General urged restraint and respect for the rule of law, while analysts warn that Djerou’s killing could further destabilize the already fragile region.
Chad has a long history of political instability and is battling jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel. The upcoming election was seen as a chance to restore democratic rule, but Djerou’s death has created a climate of fear and uncertainty.
France, which has a military presence in Chad, has remained silent on the recent events, raising concerns about double standards in its approach to regional coups.
With the death of a prominent opposition leader and questions surrounding the upcoming election, Chad’s path towards stability remains unclear.
