The EU hails the start of the national dialogue in Chad as a "key stage" for the transition

BRUSSELS, Aug. 22 (EUROPA PRESS) -

The European Union celebrated this Monday the opening of the national dialogue in Chad, assuring that it is a "key stage" for the country's democratic transition, after the crisis triggered by the assassination of the president, Idriss Déby, in April 2021.

After the leader of the military junta and son of Déby, General Mahamat Idriss Déby, began this Saturday the first day of the national peace talks in the African country, the EU has valued the start of a "key stage" in the transition process and has asked all political actors to participate and "seize the opportunity".

"It is important that the dialogue be as inclusive as possible, with equitable representation of all components of Chadian society, including youth and women, to ensure its legitimacy in the eyes of the population and gain the support of the international community" , pointed out in a statement the community diplomacy led by Josep Borrell.

Likewise, the European bloc considers the return to the country of leaders of different political and military groups a "positive" step. "We ask for respect for freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate, equally important for the inclusive and peaceful transition," added the press release.

The EU also expresses its support for the peaceful transition process, which seeks to forge a national consensus to lay the foundations for a "quick return" to the constitutional order in Chad, with free, transparent and credible elections.

Chad is led by a Transitional Military Council (CMT) headed by Déby, who took office after the death in April 2021 of his father in combat with the rebels of the Front for Alternation and Concord in Chad (FACT).