On November 7, 2026, Chad's President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno began a security tour across several provinces. His first stop was Torboul in the Ennedi Ouest province, located 120 km from Fada and 170 km from Am-Djarass. Upon arrival, the President addressed the administrative and military officials in the region. The meeting provided a platform for Goukouni Allatchi Tchoubougou, the delegated government representative for Ennedi Ouest, to discuss the escalating conflict over grazing land and water access.
The conflict in Ennedi Ouest has been brewing, with tensions between local groups over access to essential resources. President Deby Itno emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown battle. During the meeting, General Hamoda Mahamat Béchir, commander of the 8th defense zone, spoke about the challenges in disarming the conflicting parties. However, the President noted that the general had failed to follow instructions, leading to a lack of progress in resolving the conflict.
As a result of the meeting, President Deby Itno made several key decisions. General Hamoda Mahamat Béchir was suspended from his position, with his deputy taking over as interim commander. Additionally, the prefects of Torboul and Mourtcha, as well as the sub-prefect of Am-Djirémé, were relieved of their duties. The President also appointed General Tahir Erda Tahiro, Director General of the State Institutions' Security Services, to oversee the disarmament of civilians in the area.
President Deby Itno stressed the importance of upholding the authority of the state and following orders from the hierarchy, rather than being swayed by community affiliations. He emphasized that the state is an impartial entity, and its officials must prioritize serving the nation above all else. The President's directives aim to restore order and stability in the region, which has been plagued by resource-based conflicts.
The security tour is part of President Deby Itno's efforts to address the growing security challenges in Chad. The country has faced numerous threats, including terrorist attacks and intercommunal violence. By engaging with local officials and taking decisive action, the President aims to demonstrate his commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The relieving of officials from their duties is seen as a significant move by the President to assert his authority and address the security concerns in Ennedi Ouest. The appointed officials will be tasked with implementing the President's directives and working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The situation in the region remains a priority for the Chadian government, with ongoing efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.
The security situation in Chad's provinces remains a pressing concern, with the government working to address the various challenges. President Deby Itno's security tour is expected to continue, with visits to other provinces aimed at addressing local security concerns and engaging with officials. The government's efforts to maintain stability and security are crucial in ensuring the well-being of the local population.
Key points
- Chad's President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno relieves several officials of duties in Ennedi Ouest province amid escalating conflict over grazing land and water access.
