Idriss Déby

Idriss Déby was the President of Chad from 1990 until his death in April 2021. He came to power after leading a successful rebellion against the then-ruling dictator Hissène Habré. Déby's presidency was marked by a mix of military strength and diplomatic maneuvering, as he navigated complex relationships with both local and international powers. His government faced criticism for human rights abuses and a lack of democratic freedoms, but he remained a key ally for Western nations in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel region. Déby died from injuries sustained in combat against rebels, leading to a military transition and the rise of his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, as the de facto leader of Chad.