Chad's Transition to Civilian Rule In Limbo

Chad's return to civilian rule is under threat.15 months into a political transition that is supposed to last 18 months. The Transitional Military Council (CMT) has done little to prepare for elections and is repressing voices expressing concern. The country is no closer to the possibility of Chad's caretaker leader, Mahamat Déby, ceding the position his late father, Idriss Déby, held for over 30 years, write Ine Van Severan and David Kode for African Arguments.

Since the start of the transition, the Wakit Tama ("the time has come") movement has mobilised people across Chad in opposition to the CMT. First created to oppose Idriss Déby's bid for a sixth term, the coalition of political opposition and civil society groups has called for a return to civilian rule. It has organised protests against the lack of inclusiveness of the planned national dialogue and France's perceived support for the military.

Anticipating further protests, the Chadian government has issued blanket bans on demonstrations and threatened outspoken activists. Van Severan and  David Kode write that there will likely be further protests in the coming months as it becomes increasingly clear that the CMT intends to extend the transition period.