In a groundbreaking and contentious decision poised to redefine the political fabric of Chad, the National Assembly has ratified sweeping amendments to the nation’s constitution, effectively abolishing presidential term limits and extending the duration of a single presidential term from five to seven years. This monumental legislative shift opens the door for President Mahamat Idriss Déby to potentially hold power indefinitely, perpetuating a political lineage that has governed Chad for over three decades.

The amendments, which passed with resounding support from Assembly members, are now slated for Senate approval next month. If the Senate votes in favor, President Déby—who ascended to the presidency in 2021 following the death of his father, former President Idriss Déby, in battle—could seek re-election without constraints on the number of terms he may serve.

Proponents of the constitutional revisions argue fervently that allowing the president to pursue additional terms will foster much-needed political stability during this tumultuous period, marked by economic challenges and relentless security threats from militant groups in the region.

They assert that extended time in office will empower the government to enact essential reforms aimed at stabilizing a faltering economy and addressing urgent issues such as widespread poverty, soaring unemployment, and critical infrastructural deficiencies.

Conversely, critics vehemently argue that these amendments represent a significant regression for democracy in Chad, further entrenching the political dominance of the Déby family at the expense of democratic advancement. They warn that such a drastic alteration of governance could undermine the fragile democratic processes struggling to take root in the nation. Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and international watchdogs have strongly condemned this decision, warning that it could lead to political instability in a country already beset by economic hardships and regional unrest fueled by conflicts in neighboring nations.

Human rights organizations and international observers are closely monitoring the repercussions of this constitutional overhaul, urging foreign partners and governments to withhold support from what they deem a “power grab” by the Déby administration.

There is palpable concern that endorsing such sweeping changes could set a troubling precedent, as Chad joins a growing number of African nations witnessing similar constitutional amendments aimed at extending the tenures of their leaders.

This worrisome trend has often led to political crises and societal unrest, raising urgent alarms about the future of democracy across the continent.

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