Chad: US urges military junta to ‘keep its promise’ not to participate in next election

The Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Chad, Ms. Ellen Thorburn, urged the Transitional Military Council (CMT) to “remain true to its promise” and not to participate in the next elections. This was made in a statement.^yes in July, while celebrating his country’s independence.

“For me, Independence Day represents beginnings and possibilities. America is a country that continues to reinvent and renew itself, guided by its founding principles. As I look back on our history, I am struck by the opportunities and challenges our founders faced, and were able to overcome by upholding those virtues. So, as an American, on behalf of the U.S. Government in Chad, I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate with you now as I watch Chad take the first steps toward a new beginning, a beginning filled with many possibilities»” declared Chargé d’Affaires Ellen Thorburn.

“Over the past year, U.S. engagement has focused on ensuring a political transition, including an inclusive national dialogue, a new constitution, and credible, transparent, and timely elections leading to a civilian government. My Embassy team has worked hard to help the Chadian people achieve these goals. We will continue to work together, guided by principles and virtues, to achieve better governance and prosperity for the Chadian people. Chad’s new beginning must follow the will of the people, and the Transitional Military Council (CMT) has a responsibility to uphold its promises to the citizens of Chad, including that CMT members will not participate in the next election and that the CMT will adhere to a rapid transition period with democratic elections as a sign of the success of the CMT’s work. The United States remains committed to helping Chad strengthen democracy, anti-corruption efforts, and respect for human rights, consistent with fundamental American values.”she continued.

“We will continue to emphasize the rule of law, human rights, and accountability, and focus the Embassy’s efforts on strengthening civilian institutions so that Chad’s transitional government can focus more on its citizens. Our strong working relationships with host nation security and law enforcement agencies and international partners are our primary means of supporting improvements in human rights. The United States is a partner in Chad’s transition process; we want her to succeed. We recognize the difficult but rewarding work that has been done to complete the Doha pre-dialogue, and we share your expectations for a successful launch of the National Dialogue. In addition to the unwavering support that the United States will provide, I also want to sound a warning to you. With so many segments of Chadian society engaged in the dialogue, and with generations of entrenched power centers vying for concessions to their advantage, to correct past wrongs, or to retain power, the negotiations will fail if the parties do not keep in mind the national aspect of the National Dialogue. No group or faction will get everything it seeks if every group participating in the dialogue works toward compromise. But Chad will experience peace, stability, and prosperity””, explained the Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Chad.

The first reaction in Chad came from a member of the military-appointed National Transitional Council (CNT), the transitional parliament.

“The chargé d’affaires of a friendly country’s embassy has no right to lecture a sovereign nation. We are not in colonial times. The free and sovereign people of Chad have the responsibility to shape the political future of our country.”, retorted national MP Ahmat Bedei Toullomi.