A prominent critic of Chad’s military leader, Mahamat Déby, has been killed in a clash with security forces, officials have confirmed. Yaya Dillo’s death occurred following allegations linking him to a fatal assault on the country’s security agency, a claim he vehemently denied. The incident took place near his party’s headquarters in the capital city, N’Djamena, on Wednesday.
Mr. Dillo, who was also the cousin of President Déby, ascended to power in 2021 after the demise of his father, who was assassinated by insurgents after ruling for thirty years. The unrest in Chad has escalated as the nation prepares for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for May 6th, aimed at restoring constitutional governance in the country.
Prior to his tragic demise, Mr. Dillo was anticipated to be a key contender against his cousin in the forthcoming election. He helmed the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF). Communications Minister Abderaman Koulamallah disclosed that Mr. Dillo was fatally shot at his party headquarters as he resisted surrender and engaged law enforcement officers in gunfire.
The altercation resulted in the death of 12 individuals, and Chad’s phone and internet networks have been non-operational since the assault on the National Security Agency (ANSE) headquarters. The interruption in communication has raised concerns about the feasibility of conducting the election as planned.
Furthermore, the PSF rebutted the government’s claims, alleging that their members were under attack while trying to retrieve the body of their comrade, Ahmed Torabi, who was arrested and killed earlier. The government had accused Mr. Torabi of plotting the assassination of the Supreme Court president.
Mr. Dillo had a history of confrontations with security forces, as during his previous presidential campaign in 2021 against Idriss Déby, the current president’s father, government forces reportedly killed his mother, son, and three others. The PSF asserted that the assailants were aiming to apprehend Mr. Dillo at that time.
This series of events has cast a shadow of doubt on the electoral process in Chad, underscoring the volatile political climate prevailing in the Central African nation. The circumstances surrounding Mr. Dillo’s demise and the ensuing turmoil have intensified concerns about the country’s stability and the prospects for a peaceful transition of power through the upcoming election.
