By Emmanuel Gandu
THE MAN IDRISS DEBY
Born on 18th June, 1952, Idriss Deby was an astute politician, a focused, no-nonsense, and an accomplished military Officer. Idriss Deby was a thorn in the flesh of terrorist groups in the entire Northern and West African sub-region. He was feared by the enemy forces, and revered by his compatriots. Because of his expertise, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had to seek his cooperation to release the Chadian forces who helped to recapture many local governments and territories in Borno state held by Boko Haram before the 2015 elections.
IDRISS – THE MILITARY STRATEGIST FIGHTER
Idriss Deby was president of Chad for a record 5 terms from 1990 – 20/4/2021. He was known to always lead his soldiers from the front on many battlefields during his presidency – and he had worn those battles. This time, he died from gunshot wounds while leading his soldiers in the frontline against invading troops on 20/4/2021. May this Galant soldier president be buried with full military honours.
As a mark of honour for the meritorious services offered, and for laying down his life for not only Chadians but the entire Northern Africa and the West African sub-region including particularly Nigeria, the military authority in Chad has handed over the leadership of the country to Idriss Deby’s son Mahamat Deby.
THE BATTLE FRONT & CONSEQUENCES
Other important issues of grave and catastrophic consequences to take note of include the following:
(1) The Republic of Chad has enjoyed relative peace over the years, following the ability of the Chadian Defence Force (CDF) to checkmate activities of a rebel group known as ‘Front for Change and Concord in Chad’ (FCCC). However, in the last week, the activities of FCCC have heightened fears of full-scale civil war. The rebel group with the main objective of regime change in Chad, crossed over into Chad from the Libyan border area. The situation led to a fierce battle between CDF and FCCC at KANEM Region between 16 -19 April 2021 with heavy casualties. The situation in Chad is still not clear. For instance, an official statement from the Chadian government indicated that the rebel group had been crushed. A contrary statement by FCCC indicated that it is withdrawing from KANAM on tactical grounds and will renew offensive is still ongoing along other Axes towards N’Djamena.
(2) Related to this, the French embassy in Chad and and US State Department recently, ordered non-essential diplomats in Chad to leave along with their families on grounds that armed groups appear to be moving on the capital. The growing situation has led growing tension and anxiety leading to mass exdus of the populations in N’Djamena to KOUSSOURI, a neighboring town in Cameroon.
(3) Similar attempts in the past by the FCCC to over-run the country, was easily crushed by CDF. Despite previous failures by FCCC, the current situation seems to be favourable to the rebel group. This is because FCCC is currently better equipt, earned support of other rebel groups in the Magreb area, as well as some former close aids of president Idriss Deby who have turned against him.
IMPLICATIONS TO NIGERIA AND THE SUB-REGION
The development in Chad calls for concern due to likely implications for Nigeria and the entire sub-region.
Outbreak of full civil war/regime change could lead to the following:
(a) Influx of more sophisticated weapons into Nigeria particularly to Boko Haram and other secessionist groups.
(b) Likely creation of alliance between FCCC with groups like Boko Haram and other secessionist groups in Nigeria.
(c) Support/Influx of rebel groups and foreign fighters from the Magreb region to Boko Haram.
(d) Influx of refugees into Nigeria. Some of the refugees are/ could be exploited by Boko Haram to join its ranks.
(e) Increased foreign interest on the oil-rich Lake Chad/Nigeria area.
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS NIGERIA SHOULD TAKE
Consequent to the above, there is a need for Nigeria to put in place measures to checkmate the above. Terrorist groups like Boko Haram, ISIS, ISWAP, Al Qaida, Al Shabap, Fulani herdsmen militia, bandits/gunmen, etc will now seize this opportunity to descend on Nigeria to accomplish their long-term plan of elimination, destruction, occupation, and dismemberment of Nigeria.
May God save Nigeria.
