Chad’s Leading Critic of Military Leader Mahamat Déby Killed in Shootout
In a shocking turn of events, Yaya Dillo, a prominent critic of Chad’s military leader, Mahamat Déby, has been killed in a shootout with security forces. The government had accused Dillo of orchestrating a deadly attack on the country’s security agency, a claim he vehemently denied. The incident occurred near his party’s headquarters in the capital city of N’Djamena, where heavy gunfire was heard.
Yaya Dillo, who was also President Déby’s cousin, was widely expected to be his main opponent in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for May 6th. As the leader of the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF), Dillo had been a vocal critic of the current regime and a strong advocate for democratic governance.
According to Communications Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, Dillo refused to surrender and opened fire on law enforcement officers when they approached his party’s headquarters. Tragically, he lost his life along with 12 others during the shootout. The circumstances surrounding the incident have raised concerns about the feasibility of holding the election as planned.
The situation in Chad has been tense since President Déby assumed power following his father’s death in 2021. His father, Idriss Déby, had ruled the country for three decades before being killed by rebels. The younger Déby’s ascension to power was met with widespread unrest and calls for a return to constitutional rule.
The government’s accusation that Dillo was behind the attack on the National Security Agency (ANSE) headquarters was seen by many as an attempt to intimidate him and prevent him from participating in the election. However, the PSF strongly refuted these claims, asserting that their members were the ones who had come under attack.
The party’s general secretary revealed that soldiers had targeted them while they were attempting to retrieve the body of their colleague, Ahmed Torabi. Torabi had been arrested and subsequently shot dead on Tuesday, with his body being dumped outside the ANSE building. The government had accused Torabi of attempting to assassinate the president of the Supreme Court.
This tragic incident is not the first time that Dillo has faced violence at the hands of security forces. During his campaign against President Déby’s father in 2021, state forces killed Dillo’s mother, son, and three others. The PSF claimed that the assailants were attempting to arrest Dillo, while the government disputed the death toll, stating that only three people had been killed.
The aftermath of Dillo’s death has further exacerbated the already tense atmosphere in Chad. Mobile phone and internet networks have been shut down since the reported attack on the ANSE headquarters, severely limiting communication and access to information. Journalist Amaury Hauchard reported that people have been without internet access for 24 hours, with only a few hotels having limited connectivity.
As Chad grapples with these tragic events, doubts have emerged regarding the feasibility of holding the presidential election as scheduled. The loss of Yaya Dillo, a prominent opposition figure, has left a void in the political landscape and raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
The situation in Chad serves as a reminder of the fragility of democracy in many African nations. The power struggles, violence, and suppression of dissenting voices highlight the challenges faced by those striving for democratic governance. As the country mourns the loss of Yaya Dillo, it is crucial for international observers and stakeholders to closely monitor the developments in Chad and ensure that the upcoming election is conducted in a free and fair manner.
Chad’s journey towards stability and democratic rule remains uncertain, but it is essential for the international community to support the aspirations of the Chadian people for a better future. Only through inclusive and transparent processes can Chad overcome its turbulent past and pave the way for a more prosperous and democratic nation.