Mahamat Idriss Déby's Presidency Formalizes Military Transition in Chad Amidst Economic Challenges
Mahamat Idriss Déby was confirmed president-elect of Chad on May 16, 2024, following a disputed election on May 6. His election formalizes a military transition that began when he took power in April 2021 after his father's death. Chad's economy remains heavily dependent on Doba crude oil exports, which accounted for 14.3% of GDP, 51.8% of government revenues, and 65.3% of exports in 2024, according to World Bank figures. The country faces significant humanitarian and economic pressures, including hosting over one million Sudanese refugees, chronic hunger, and a projected public debt stock near 28.7% of GDP for 2026. The political transition concluded with Déby's election, formally ending the post-2021 process. In October 2025, Chad's Parliament approved constitutional amendments extending the presidential term from five to seven years, a move boycotted by some opposition parties. 
