Chadian Military Council Vows to Combat Terrorism, Promises to Hand Power in 18 Months

On Wednesday, the Chadian Transitional Military Council (CMT), headed by the son of Chadian President Idriss Deby, who died Tuesday following injuries received at the frontline against the rebels, promised to cede power to civilians after an 18-month transition, while calling for unity and dialogue.

The CMT is headed by a son of Deby, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, 37, whom Chadians are already starting to call MIDI, like his father, Marshal Idriss Deby Itno.

The acting head of state has headed for seven years the General Directorate of Security Service of State Institutions (DGSSIE), the elite corps of the Chadian armed forces.

In the declaration of creation of the CMT read by the spokesperson of the army, General Mahamat launched "an appeal for dialogue and peace" to the Chadian people, who "must show their attachment to peace, stability, and national cohesion which are sacred values for the Marshal of Chad (the ex-president(."

Albert Pahimi Padacke, the opposition presidential candidate who came second with 10.32 percent of the votes cast, also called for unity, cohesion, and forgiveness, while offering his condolences following the death of the ex-president. He also asked political actors and civil society to "rise above selfishness and partisan interests for a sacred union in the interest of the country."

In a statement from the Elysee Palace, the office of the President, France, while taking note of the establishment of the CMT, also insists on a "peaceful transition" in a "spirit of dialogue" which should allow the return to "an inclusive governance based on civil institutions."

Chad is a crucial ally of France in the Sahel region for the fight against terrorism.

"Chad lost a great soldier and a president who has worked tirelessly for the security of the country and the stability of the region for three decades," according to the statement.