A major opposition coalition in Chad has announced plans to withdraw from the country’s political life at the end of October next year.
The Group for Consultation of Political Actors, known as GCAP, says its decision is a protest against a new constitution that it believes hands too much power to President Idriss Déby Itno.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the bloc described the constitutional changes as “a major step backwards for democracy” and accused the government of undermining the balance between the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of state.
GCAP argues that the amendment was designed to keep Déby Itno in power indefinitely, deepening frustrations among opposition parties and rights groups already critical of limited political space in the country.
AbdelKerim Koundougouni, who leads the political movement Le Pacte des Bâtisseurs, said the decision followed months of discussions among opposition leaders.
“We cannot continue to operate within a system that no longer values accountability or fairness,” Koundougouni said. “This constitution does not reflect the will of the people, it protects one man’s grip on power.”
He said the coalition hopes its decision will shine a spotlight on what it calls Chad’s “growing democratic crisis”.
“Our stance is not about walking away from politics; it’s about taking a stand for genuine democracy,” Koundougouni added.
The Chadian government has not yet commented on the announcement.
–ChannelAfrica–
