Chad's President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno arrived in Abéché, the capital of the Ouaddaï province, on November 11, 2026, as part of his security tour. During his visit, he inspected several development projects and infrastructure in the city. The president's tour included a visit to the Abéché solar power plant, which has been shut down for nine months, affecting the daily lives of the population. The president was briefed on the situation and the impact on the local community.
The president then visited the construction site of the mother and child hospital, which has been stalled since 2015. This project is highly anticipated by the people of Ouaddaï, and the president was able to assess its current state. He also visited the construction site of shops for gold traders on the eastern part of the Independence Square. This project has sparked controversy over the use of public space, and the president sought explanations from the local authorities.
According to the General Delegate of the government to the Ouaddaï province, General Ismaël Yamouda Djorbo, the gold traders are among the most exposed to security risks. The authorities decided to provide them with a secure space on the Independence Square. The project involves the construction of 330 shops, which will be built using the traders' own funds. After two years of rent, the revenue generated will go to the Abéché commune.
The president's visit continued to the southern outskirts of the city, where he inspected the Bithéa 2 water project. He discovered a new water tower, which aims to improve the supply of drinking water to the population. Through this tour, the president was able to get a firsthand look at the realities of Abéché's energy, health, commercial, and hydraulic infrastructure.
The president's visit highlighted the challenges facing the city, including the shutdown of the solar power plant and the stalled hospital project. The local population is eagerly awaiting concrete responses from the authorities. The president's tour is part of his broader security tour of several provinces in Chad.
The visit also underscored the importance of providing secure spaces for traders and improving the city's infrastructure. The construction of shops for gold traders is one of the initiatives aimed at addressing security concerns. The president's visit is expected to lead to concrete actions to address the challenges facing Abéché.
The president's security tour is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what concrete actions will be taken to address the challenges facing Abéché and other provinces. The visit has, however, highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and security in the region.
Key points
- President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno inspects development projects in Abéché, Chad.
- The president visits the Abéché solar power plant, which has been shut down for nine months.
- The president also inspects the construction site of the mother and child hospital, stalled since 2015.
