Tchad parliament convenes amid pressing security and governance issues

In a solemn ceremony held in N’Djamena, Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi, President of the Chadian Parliament, inaugurated the ordinary session of the legislative body on May 20, 2026. His address was steeped in gravity, addressing the nation’s most pressing security threats and institutional reforms while urging national cohesion, political accountability, and the strengthening of the rule of law.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tchaïmi paid tribute to the fallen soldiers who lost their lives in recent clashes with Boko Haram militants in the Lake Chad region. He described the period as “one of the most challenging in our nation’s history,” acknowledging the sacrifices made by defense and security forces in safeguarding Chad’s territorial integrity.

The President of the Parliament also honored the late Deputy Haoua Outman Djame, who passed away on March 26, 2026. He praised her unwavering parliamentary dedication, rigorous work ethic, and commitment to the nation’s democratic values. A moment of silence was observed to commemorate victims of terrorist attacks and intercommunal violence that have devastated parts of the country.

The legislative agenda for this session is dominated by two critical priorities: updating the Parliament’s internal regulations to align with the revised Constitution of December 17, 2023, and reviewing the government’s request to extend the state of emergency in the Lake Chad region.

On the emergency extension, Mr. Tchaïmi recalled that the government declared a state of emergency on May 7, 2026, initially for 21 days, due to persistent terrorist threats in the area. Authorities are now seeking an additional 45-day extension to continue security operations and protect local populations.

The address also highlighted Chad’s growing diplomatic influence on the African continent. The President of the Parliament celebrated the appointment of Senator Mariam Mahamat Nour as Vice President of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the election of Deputy Djidda Mamar Mahamat as Third Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament.

Mr. Tchaïmi strongly refuted allegations made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding incidents involving Chadian security forces and local fishermen in the Lake Chad region. He dismissed the claims as “misleading and factually incorrect,” reaffirming the Parliament’s full support for President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and the armed forces in their counterterrorism efforts.

Turning to intercommunal violence in the Dar Tama area of the Wadi Fira region, he emphasized the need for dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence to prevent further escalation of tensions.

Concluding his speech, Mr. Tchaïmi underscored the Parliament’s historic responsibility in addressing the nation’s challenges. He called on legislators to work diligently toward building “a stable, secure, united, and prosperous Chad.” With that, the ordinary session of the Parliament of the Republic of Chad was officially declared open.