Following the demise of the Chadian president Idriss Déby, the country’s military has confirmed General Mahamat Kaka, son to the late president to replace him as the interim Head of state.
Déby was declared the winner of the polls leading with almost 80%, amid claims of election fraud, intimidation and voter bribery.
The army spokesman General Azem Bermandoa Agouna said Idriss Déby, 68, “has just breathed his last defending the sovereign nation on the battle field,” over the weekend.
Although, the Speaker of the National Assembly was expected to take over the reign of power, and to oversee a transition within a period of 40 days. This, however, was not possible as the president had formerly dissolved parliament to allow for an election to be conducted.
This move technically makes the office of the Speaker vacant, and thus, the military swiftly formed a military council to oversee the transition.
The Chadian military eventually appointed Deby’s son, Mahamat, to take over the leadership from his father until such a time that a democratic election shall be held.
Mahamat previously served as the second in command of the Armed forces for the Chadian Intervention in Northern Mali (FATIM).
Mahamat also led forces when he took part in the command of Chadian forces during the battle of Am-Dam, which his army defeated the rebels.
Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News
