Chad recently ordered the German ambassador to the country, Dr Gordon Kricke, to leave within 48 hours, accusing him of disrespectful behaviour and disregard for diplomatic protocol. In retaliation, Berlin expelled the Chadian ambassador to Germany. Helga Dickow, a political scientist and expert on Chad, explains the link between the diplomatic tit-for-tat and the now delayed Chadian transition to constitutional rule.
What are the holdups in Chad’s transition to constitutional rule?
- In May 2021, Mahamat Déby promised a transition to constitutional rule and free elections within 18 months.
- They insisted that the 18-month transition period be respected and that Mahamat Déby not be allowed to stand in the elections.
- Despite criticisms, the National Dialogue extended the transition period by 24 months and allowed Mahamat Déby to contest in the poll.
Which countries are Chad’s closest allies?
- Chad lacks the financial resources to conduct elections and is dependent on foreign donors – most notably the United Nations and the European Union.
- The European Union promised the transitional government support for the country’s return to constitutional order, including the necessary financial resources.
So, why target Germany?
- It can also be argued that Germany was an easy target.
- Mahamat Déby was in Paris a few weeks ago and had dinner with President Macron.
- And other European countries only deployed chargés d'affaires or have no representation at all.
What role is the opposition playing in Chad?
- The opposition party Les Transformateurs and the alliance Wakit Tama, a coalition of trade unions, civil society groups and opposition parties, had called for the protests.
- The government brought in tanks to the capital during the night and security forces trained in anti-terrorism fired into the crowd.
- The official figures differ considerably from those of the opposition.
What does this all mean for the transition plan and Chad’s future?
- As a clear signal of solidarity and unity, they accompanied him to the airport in N'Djamena.
- This sent a signal that they are united in their support for a foreign policy based on values.
- The absence of external donor funding for the election process is likely to give those in power a good pretext for further delaying the transition process.
