Has the African Union gone soft on Chad?
Chad, situated in Central Africa, witnessed a political turmoil after Idriss Deby died a day after he had won the Chad Presidential elections and was ready to assume his sixth term in office extending his 30 years in power. General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the son of Idriss Deby was proclaimed as the new Interim Head of the State. A 15-member Transitional Military Council (TMC) led by the Head of the Presidential Guard, General Mahamat Idriss Dby, took power and vowed to organize a new Presidential election within 18 months. The TMC issued a Transitional Charter, which superseded the Constitution. On 26 April, the former Prime Minister, Albert Pahimi Padack, who was placed second in the Presidential election, was appointed the Transitional Prime Minister. Demonstrations arose against this decision. On April 27, 2021, thousands protested and two people were killed in demonstrations. Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in Chads capital, NDjamena, and there were also demonstrations in other parts of the nation. Demonstrators carried signs demanding that power be handed to civilians. Several protestors and journalists were arrested. On 7 May, the new Minister of Justice and Human Rights ordered the release of all demonstrators detained after past protests, except those who had committed proven criminal acts against persons or property. The same day, the Minister for Public Security and Migration issued a decree by which peaceful demonstrations that met specific conditions would be authorized. As a result of the political developments in Chad, the African Union (AU) Commission and the AU Peace and Security Council undertook a Fact-Finding Mission to the country from 29 April to 6 May 2021. On April 29, the AU said in a press statement that the fact-finding mission will seek first-hand information from the Chadian authorities and stakeholders, on the unfolding political and security situation, and examine strategies to facilitate a swift return to constitutional order and democratic governance, while concurrently preserving the security and territorial integrity of Chad. On May 14, 2021, the AU released its decision on Chad. In its decision, the AU while reiterating its total rejection of any unconstitutional change of government in the African Continent, noted the positive measures being taken towards the transition. The AU said that the formation of a civilian-led Transitional Government on 2 May 2021, headed by Albert Pahimi Padacke who was named Prime Minister, and inclusive of members of some opposition political parties, as Government Ministers, entrusted with spearheading the national dialogue and reconciliation towards the restoration of constitutional order, was a step in the right direction. The AU emphasised the imperative of a civilian-led, inclusive and consensual transitional process in Chad, with clear separation of the roles and functions between TMC and the government, with the TMC focusing primarily on the statutory defence and security of Chad, while the Transitional Government concentrate on political and other public policy related issues in the country. On May 20, 2021, the AU called on the civilian and military leaders in Chad to work out a power-sharing agreement until the elections are organised. The AU also said that military officers that seized power Mahamat, Idriss Dby could continue to oversee security matters. In a statement, the AUs Peace and Security Council underscored the imperative of an inclusive and consensual transition process in Chad run by civilians, with a clear separation of roles and functions between the transitional government and Transitional Military Council. It looks as if the African Union has taken a soft stance on the ongoing political developments in Chad. Despite the events in Chad manifesting all the characteristics of a military coup, the AU has neither imposed sanctions on Chad nor suspended its membership, unlike what it did in the case of Mali or Sudan in recent memory. It looks as if the AU has prioritised regional stability over constitutional considerations. On May 18, the Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, who is also the Chairman of the AU backed the militarys takeover in Chad, saying the risk of disorder made its firm hand necessary. A few days later, he stated in an interview to the web portal that With President (Idriss) Dby, we knew how he ran this country and therefore the sudden disappearance of such a pillar, could lead the country into total instability. And so, the solution that was found, that didnt come from us, but from the Chadians themselves, was a military solution. From the moment that there is stability, then good. But then, we are not giving them a blank check. We say that because, they themselves said that there will be elections in 18 months, and we wish for this transition to be as inclusive as possible, he further stated. Chad is seen as an important ally in the fight against Islamic militancy in the Central African region. The AU statement on May 14, 2021, expressed deep concern over the security situation in Chad which is attributable to the condemnable activities of mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libya. The AU has also urged the Chadian defence and security forces not to relent in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the Lack Chad Basin and the Sahel. Photo Credit : Getty Images  Like this: Like Loading...