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Death Of Idriss Déby: Africa And The World React

Beyond the emotion that the death of the Chadian president did not fail to cause, there is the serious concern about the Chadian army. Considered the most seasoned of the G5 Sahel joint force, comprising Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad, against jihadist groups active in the Sahel, it is at the center of many questions. Here are some reactions gathered after the announcement on Tuesday of the death of Chadian President Idriss Déby Itno, following injuries received in combat against rebels in the north of his country.

Reactions in the Sahel countries

The Sahelian countries engaged with Chad in the fight against jihadist groups and the UN chief on Tuesday welcomed the action of late President Idriss Déby Itno in “the fight against terrorism”.

– Niger welcomes Idriss Déby’s “personal commitment”

Niger, where a contingent of 1,200 Chadian soldiers is based as part of the multinational anti-jihadist force of the G5 Sahel, praised the “personal commitment” of Marshal Idriss Déby “in the fight against terrorism and for stabilization. Sahelo-Saharan space ”, according to a statement from President Mohamed Bazoum and his government. “The Nigerien people share the pain of the brotherly Chadian people” and “would like to express their solidarity and reassure (them) of their commitment to work together with them for the peace and stability of the G5 Sahel States and the riparian States of the Lake Chad, ”the statement added.

– Mali regrets “a heavy loss”

For the president of the transition of Mali Bah N’Daw, “the disappearance of President Déby is a heavy loss not only for his country (…) but also for the Sahel region and Africa”. “The people and government of Mali show their gratitude and gratitude to the people and government of Chad for the multifaceted support provided, under the leadership of the Marshal, to peace, security and the fight against terrorism in Sahel ”, declares the Malian president. “A three-day national mourning” will be observed from Wednesday at midnight over the entire Malian territory in homage to Idriss Déby, according to a decree signed by President N’Daw published in the evening in Bamako. For the president of the transition in Mali, “Idriss Déby has distinguished himself in our recent history, which he has also helped to shape through his commitment and his vision of a united and strong Africa”.

– Burkina Faso salutes the memory of Déby

The President of Burkina Faso, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, for his part hailed “the memory of a great Pan-Africanist, of a brother, committed with conviction and determination in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad basin and in the Sahel. “.

– Mauritania salutes the memory of Déby

Mauritania, fifth member country of the G5 Sahel, on Wednesday hailed the “efforts” of the late Chadian President Idriss Déby Itno to establish stability and security in the Sahel, and reiterated its attachment to regional cooperation to ensure “respect for constitutional legality ”. Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani “salutes the memory” of Idriss Déby, who “actively contributed to efforts aimed at establishing stability and security in the Sahel region, as well as on the scale of our continent. African, ”said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “In these troubled circumstances, the Mauritanian government and people remain more than ever attached to partnership and cooperation between the States of the sub-region, in particular within the G5 Sahel, to ensure the prevalence of peace, security, stability and respect for constitutional legality in our States, ”the statement added.

Reactions from other African countries:

– Senegal welcomes its “contribution”

“The death of Marshal of Chad, President Idriss Déby Itno, is sad news. I salute his memory and pay tribute to his contribution to the stabilization of the Sahel. Peace to his soul, ”Senegalese President Macky Sall tweeted.

– Algeria calls for “showing responsibility”

Algeria is following with “great concern” the current events in the Republic of Chad, reacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Algeria calls on all the children of Chad to show a sense of responsibility and to favor dialogue, the only way out to enable them to get through the current trials and to preserve peace and stability in the country. ”

– Nigeria “shocked and saddened”

President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his sadness on hearing the news of “the sudden and tragic death of President Idriss Deby on the front lines, fighting rebel soldiers”. “I am shocked and saddened. He played a leading role in our regional collaboration to fight Boko Haram terrorists. ”

Reactions from external partners:

– France “loses an essential ally”

France “loses a courageous friend”, reacted the Elysee in a press release stressing the importance of a “peaceful transition” in Chad. Paris “expresses its firm attachment to the stability and territorial integrity of Chad”. France “is losing an essential ally in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel”, estimated the Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly.

– The United States declares itself in favor of a “peaceful transition”

The State Department “offers, on behalf of the United States, its condolences to the Chadian people, condemns the violence and the loss of human life.” “The United States stands by the side of the Chadian people in these difficult times” and “declares itself in favor of a peaceful transition of power, in accordance with the Chadian Constitution”.

– Israel regrets Deby’s “leadership”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted: “I offer my deepest condolences to the people of Chad. (…) His courageous leadership will be missed. We will never forget his historic decision to renew his country’s relations with Israel. ”

The reactions of international organizations:

– The UN “deeply saddened”

In a statement in New York, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also praised Chad’s commitment under Idriss Déby in “the fight against terrorism”. “Deeply saddened” by the death of the Chadian president, Antonio Guterres hails “an essential partner for the United Nations” which “has contributed significantly to regional stability, in particular in the context of efforts to combat terrorism, the violent extremism and organized crime in the Sahel ”.

– The African Union “dismayed and moved”

The chairman of the AU commission, Chadian Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed on Twitter his “deep emotion”. “It is with great consternation and deep emotion that I learned of the death” of President Idriss Itno Déby, commented the president of the executive body of the continental organization, who was Prime Minister of Chad from 2003 to 2005. “Great statesman and recognized military leader. I extend my sincere condolences to the Chadian people and their families, ”he concludes.

– The European Union calls for restraint

“The announced transition must be limited, take place in a peaceful manner, with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and allow the organization of new inclusive elections,” warned the head of European diplomacy in a statement. , Josep Borrell. “The European Union expresses its attachment to the stability and territorial integrity of Chad, calls on all the actors concerned to exercise restraint and underlines the importance of a rapid return to constitutional order. ”


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