Tchad’s Parliament Convenes Ordinary Session Amid National Challenges

The President of the Parliament of Tchad, Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi, inaugurated the ordinary session of the legislative body today in N’Djamena. In a solemn ceremony, he delivered a speech addressing pressing security concerns, institutional reforms, and called for national unity and political accountability.

During his address, President Tchaïmi paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in recent clashes with Boko Haram in the Lake Province. He described these events as “a deeply painful moment for our Nation,” emphasizing the sacrifices made by defense and security forces in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.

He also honored the late deputy Haoua Outman Djame, who passed away on March 26, 2026, for her unwavering commitment to parliamentary work and dedication to republican values. A moment of silence was observed in memory of those lost to terrorist and intercommunal violence.

Key Agenda Items for the Session

The legislative session will prioritize two critical issues: revising the internal regulations of the Parliament 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 Province.

The state of emergency, initially declared by presidential decree on May 7, 2026, for 21 days, has been extended to address ongoing terrorist threats. The government is now seeking an additional 45 days to enhance security measures and protect local communities.

Parliament’s Growing Influence on the Continental Stage

The President highlighted Tchad’s rising diplomatic profile, noting the recent appointment of Senator Mariam Mahamat Nour as Vice President of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and Deputy Djidda Mamar Mahamat’s election as the third vice president of the Pan-African Parliament.

He strongly refuted allegations from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding incidents involving security forces and fishermen in the Lake Province. Describing these claims as “misleading and inaccurate,” he reaffirmed the Parliament’s full support for President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and the armed forces in their counterterrorism efforts.

Urgent Call for Reconciliation in Dar Tama

President Tchaïmi also addressed the intercommunal violence that erupted in the Dar Tama department of the Wadi Fira Province, urging dialogue and peaceful coexistence to prevent further escalation.

The President stressed the Parliament’s historic responsibility in addressing the nation’s challenges, urging lawmakers to work diligently toward a “stable, secure, united, and prosperous Tchad.” The ordinary session was thereafter officially declared open.