April 21, 2021

The Federal Government has expressed concerns over recent developments in the Republic of Chad, following the death of Idriss Deby Itno.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama made the call on Wednesday, in a statement asking the interim leadership of Chad and other stakeholders in the Central African nation to ensure the country does not slump into chaos.

“An early return to democratic governance in Chad should be the ultimate goal but the immediate objective is the stabilisation of Chad as well as the regions of ECCAS, ECOWAS and the Sahel,” the minister added in a statement captioned “Official Statement Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria On The Developments In Chad.’

While calling for dialogue among stakeholder, Onyeama assured that “Nigeria is willing to guide and mainstream, within the framework of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and ultimately, the African Union (AU).”

The minister extolled Deby’s role in the maintenance of peace in the Lake Chad region, saying the late leader will be greatly missed for bringing stability to the region.

“His demise could lead to vacuums that could implode in these sub-regions, hence the need to appeal to all stakeholders in Chad to embrace dialogue to resolve their differences in the interest of peace and the sustainable development of Chad,” he said while expressing sadness over the development.

Deby’s son is to take over as president in place of his father, according to a charter released on Wednesday by the presidency.

It said General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, 37, who on Tuesday was named transitional leader as head of a military council following his father’s death, will “occupy the functions of the President of the Republic.