President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended his congratulations to Lieutenant General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno on his recent electoral victory in Chad. Lt. Gen. Déby Itno, who previously served as the country's Interim President, secured the presidency in elections held earlier this month.
Sheikh Mohamed's message, delivered via a cable, expressed his warm wishes to the newly elected leader and the people of Chad. He highlighted his desire to strengthen the existing ties between the two nations and collaborate on areas of mutual interest. The UAE President expressed confidence that Lt. Gen. Déby Itno's leadership would usher in a new era of stability and prosperity for Chad.
The UAE and Chad have enjoyed a steadily growing relationship in recent years. Economic cooperation has been a key focus, with both nations exploring avenues for collaboration in sectors like infrastructure development, energy, and trade. The UAE has also provided humanitarian assistance to Chad, supporting the country's efforts to address food insecurity and improve healthcare access.
Lt. Gen. Déby Itno's victory comes amidst a period of political transition for Chad. His father, Idriss Déby, who ruled the country for over three decades, passed away in 2021. A Transitional Military Council (TMC) assumed control in the aftermath, with Lt. Gen. Déby Itno serving as its president. The recent elections mark a significant step towards the restoration of civilian rule in Chad.
The international community has welcomed the successful conduct of the elections in Chad. The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) have commended the peaceful transition and expressed their support for the newly elected government.
Lt. Gen. Déby Itno's presidency presents an opportunity for Chad to address long-standing challenges, including poverty, food insecurity, and political instability. The UAE's message of congratulations underscores the international community's commitment to supporting Chad during this critical juncture. With both nations committed to strengthening their bilateral relationship, there is optimism for a future of increased cooperation and mutual benefit.