Chad’s Junta-appointed MPs Endorse New PM

Succes Masra, Chad’s former opposition leader, secured overwhelming support as prime minister on Friday from MPs designated by the military government.

The 40-year-old economist, who returned from exile in November under an agreement with the junta allowing him political activities, was a fierce critic of the Deby dynasty, which had ruled Chad for over 30 years.

Appointed as prime minister on January 1, Masra unveiled his government program and garnered 95.4% of the votes from the 173 deputies of the National Transitional Council, as reported by state television.

He reiterated the commitment, previously expressed by transitional president Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, to organize delayed presidential and legislative elections by October 20.

Masra’s program outlines plans for an independent justice system, a 19% increase in the education budget, and the establishment of a healthcare system with equal access within two years.

Two years ago, Mahamat Deby, an army general, assumed leadership of an army-administered administration after rebels killed his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had seized power in a coup and governed the nation with an iron fist for three decades.

Promising elections within 18 months, Mahamat Deby extended the transition period by an additional two years before the return to civilian rule. Designated by his father’s Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), he is set to stand for president in the upcoming ballot.