Chad Approves New Junta-Backed Constitution

Critics Fear Consolidation of Military Leader's Power, Despite Promises of Democratic Transition

Chad's new constitution, backed by the military junta, has been approved by 86% of voters in a recent referendum.
The turnout for the referendum was approximately 64%, according to the government commission that organized it.
Critics argue that the new constitution could help consolidate the power of military leader Mahamat Idriss Déby, who assumed power in 2021 following the death of his father, former President Idriss Déby.
The new constitution maintains Chad as a unitary state, but establishes autonomous communities with local assemblies and councils of traditional chiefdoms.
Several opposition groups called for a boycott of the vote, claiming the military had too much control over the referendum process.