Indeed, the fresh crisis in Bamako could have worrying implications for the broader Sahel region, especially given that jihadist groups have a long track record of exploiting political instability and that the security situation was already barely under control prior to the coup. After the shocking battlefield death of Chad’s longtime leader Idriss Déby in April, his son Mahamat Idriss Déby has stepped into the breach to provide some much-needed transitional stability until democratic elections can take place in 18 months’ time. Mahamat Idriss Déby a steady hand on a shaky tillerGiven the upheaval in Bamako, it’s a relief that a government crisis was averted in N’Djamena after Chad’s longtime leader suddenly died. After more than three decades in power, President Idriss Déby was killed on the battlefield in April while visiting troops engaged in conflict with rebel group FACT. With Mali mired in fresh turmoil, a smooth transition in Chad is all the more vital to ensuring peace in the Sahel.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 10, 2021 14:58 UTC