Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has been named the winner of the 2026 African Peace Prize for his peaceful management of Chad's political transition and the country's humanitarian response to Sudanese refugees, the African Conference for Peace has announced. The Prize Committee's unanimous decision recognizes President Déby’s role in consolidating peace in Chad while opening the country's eastern border to hundreds of thousands of people fleeing conflict in Sudan, the organization said. The committee said the award aligns with the mission of the African Peace Prize, which honors leaders who embody high human values, spread a culture of peace, strengthen security and support sustainable development, in line with the African Union's Agenda 2063, "The Africa We Want." Previous laureates include Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum (2022), Nigeria's then-President Muhammadu Buhari (2023), Gambian President Adama Barrow (2024) and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara (2025). The award ceremony is scheduled for early February in Nouakchott, during the opening session of the 6th African Conference for Peace, where Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani will present the prize to President Déby.

Source: Ethiopian News January 16, 2026 11:32 UTC