Dakar, 16 August 2022 (TDI): The President of Senegal, Macky Sall, visited the Presidents in transition in Mali and Chad. Subsequently, Macky Sall visited the states as the President-in-Office of the African Union.
Le Président @Macky_Sall a quitté Dakar ce matin pour se rendre au Mali, au Tchad et au Gabon. En sa qualité de Président en exercice de l’@_AfricanUnion, le Président s’entretiendra avec les Présidents @GoitaAssimi et @GmahamatIdi des processus de transition dans les deux pays. pic.twitter.com/JwwKZjiHI9
— Présidence Sénégal (@PR_Senegal) August 15, 2022
The President met with the transitioning Presidents in the two countries to speak on the transitioning process, ensuring a smooth procedure while simultaneously, keeping intact the integrity and democratic values of the region.
After visiting Mali, the President arrived in N’Djamena, Chad. Here he was warmly welcomed by the president in transition, Mahamat Idris Deby Itno.
Afterward, President Mahamat Idris took to Twitter to describe the visit as a friendly and working visit to the country.
Bienvenue à SEM @Macky_Sall, Président de la République sœur du Sénégal et Président en exercice de l’Union Africaine, qui entame une visite d’amitié et de travail au pays de Toumaï. #Tchad #Sénégal #UA pic.twitter.com/HICKfmSUfR
— Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno (@GmahamatIdi) August 15, 2022
Also read: UN Deputy Secretary General meets Senegal’s President
Transitional Presidency in Mali
Colonel Assimi led the 2020 Malian coup d’état to overthrow the President. He pledged for new elections to replace him.
This was mainly because ECOWAS pressured Mali’s ruling junta for the country to be led by a civilian.
On 1 October 2020, the “Mali Transition Letter” was published. It was specifically in response to the request of the ECOWAS.
It declared Assimi Goïta the Vice-President “in charge of defense and security issues.” This meant that constitutionally he could not surpass President Bah Ndaw.
On May 21, he was involved in another coup seizing power and detaining the President on charges of sabotage. The constitutional court declared him interim president of Mali.
The court ruling stated that Goïta should carry the title “President of the transition,” leading the process to its conclusion.
Transitional Presidency in Chad
Mahamat Idris Deby Itno accessed the presidency after the assassination of his father by the hand of FACT a rebel group.
Some political actors within Chad have labeled the succession a “coup.” This was mainly because the constitutional provisions were not followed.
However, France, a strategic ally, has defended the development as necessary, citing the “exceptional circumstances” caused by the rebellion.
Furthermore, between the government and the rebels, dialogues were initiated. However, it was decided that the elections would be held in the second half of 2022.
Nonetheless, the delay in the transition is causing unrest among the people resulting in protests. As time passes, concerns that the 18-month timeline for the transition would slip keep growing.
