Chad, a country in Central Africa, became independent from France on August 11, 1960. Since then, it has experienced various changes in leadership, with different presidents bringing both progress and challenges.
Here’s a look at the presidents of Chad in a simple and straightforward manner, presented in a table, followed by details on the first president, the current president, and the political landscape regarding the vice presidency.
List of Presidents of Chad
| No. | President | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | François Tombalbaye | 1960 - 1975 |
| 2 | Noël Milarew Odingar | 1975 |
| 3 | Félix Malloum | 1975 - 1979 |
| 4 | Goukouni Oueddei | 1979 - 1982 |
| 5 | Hissène Habré | 1982 - 1990 |
| 6 | Idriss Déby | 1990 - 2021 |
| 7 | Mahamat Idriss Déby | 2021 - Present |
READ ALSO: Presidents That Have Ruled Malawi Till Date
François Tombalbaye: The First President
François Tombalbaye was Chad’s first president after it gained independence in 1960. He led the country until 1975, when he was killed in a military coup.
Achievements:
- Unity Efforts: Tombalbaye tried to bring together the different ethnic groups in Chad to create a united nation.
- Economic Initiatives: He introduced policies to improve the country’s infrastructure and education system.
Downsides:
- Authoritarian Leadership: Over time, Tombalbaye became more authoritarian, suppressing political opposition and dissent.
- Increased Tensions: His policies led to ethnic tensions and civil unrest, ultimately resulting in his assassination.
READ ALSO: List of Heads of State Who Have Ruled Burkina Faso Till Date
Mahamat Idriss Déby: The Current President
Mahamat Idriss Déby, the son of the late president Idriss Déby, became the leader of Chad in April 2021 after his father’s death. His leadership continues many of his father’s policies.
Achievements:
- Maintaining Stability: Mahamat has worked to keep Chad stable amid regional conflicts.
- Security Focus: He has focused on security, especially in fighting terrorism and insurgent groups.
Downsides:
- Democratic Issues: Mahamat’s rise to power was through a military transition rather than an election, raising concerns about democracy.
- Human Rights Concerns: There have been reports of human rights violations, with the government accused of suppressing opposition and limiting civil liberties.
Current Vice President of Chad
Chad does not currently have an official vice president position. Instead, the political system includes roles like the Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials.
Conclusion
Chad’s political history is full of significant changes and challenges. From François Tombalbaye, who helped establish the nation, to Mahamat Idriss Déby, who is working to maintain stability, the country has seen many leadership transitions. Understanding these leaders helps us comprehend Chad’s political developments and future.