Idriss Debi

Idriss Debi

President of Chad

Content:
  1. Early Life and Education
  2. Military Career
  3. Political Ascent
  4. Presidential Tenure
  5. Personal Life

Early Life and Education

Idriss Déby Itno was born in 1952 in Fada, eastern Chad, to a pastor from the Goran ethnic group. After completing secondary school, he joined the Officers' School in N'Djamena.

Military Career

In 1976, Déby underwent aviation training at the Institute of Aeronautics in France, where he obtained a professional pilot's license. He returned to Chad and served as a deputy chief of staff and later chief of staff of the Northern Armed Forces under President Hissène Habré. In 1983, he became the commander of the armed forces.

Political Ascent

In 1985, Déby was removed from his post and sent to Paris for military training. Upon his return in 1987, he assumed the key position of presidential adviser on security and defense. Following an unsuccessful coup attempt in April 1989, Déby fled to Sudan.

In 1990, rebel forces led by Déby invaded Chad from Sudan and seized power. Déby became head of state and was formally elected president in June 1996. He was reelected in 2001.

Presidential Tenure

During his presidency, Déby has faced numerous challenges, including rebellions, political instability, and economic hardships. Nonetheless, he has maintained power through a combination of military force, political manipulation, and international support.

Personal Life

Idriss Déby is married and has a son.

© BIOGRAPHS