Chadian Civil Society mounts pressure on President Deby to resign

As Chad gears for presidential elections, unions and civil society groups in the country continue to mount pressure on President Idris Deby Itno to step down.

The groups are set to hold a peaceful March in the capital N’Djamena on Tuesday, but media reports indicate that the government has declared it illegal.

Already, a section of the Chadian civil society has pulled out of several state institutions, including the Election Commission, saying they felt gagged in the run-up to the closely-watched presidential polls.

In March, three leaders of “Ça suffit,” and “Iyina” movements were arrested and detained by police in the capital, after calling for protests against the president.

Their trial resumes on April 7th.

Deby, a former Armed Forces chief turned warlord who seized power in 1990, faces 13 challengers for the presidency.

The first round of voting takes place on April 10.

The Oil-rich county whose people are among the poorest in the world, has faced unprecedented protests in recent weeks as the longtime president seeks to extend his 26-year rule.

News Agencies