Idriss Déby

Déby was born on 18 June 1952,{{cite web |last1=Congress |first1=The Library of |title=LC Linked Data Service: Authorities and Vocabularies (Library of Congress) |url=https://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n94050752.html |website=id.loc.gov |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129041133/https://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n94050752.html |archive-date=29 January 2019 |url-status=live}} in the village of Berdoba, approximately 190 kilometers from Fada in northern Chad. His father was a herdsman of the Bidayat clan of the Zaghawa community. After attending the Qur'anic School in Tiné, Déby studied at the École Française in Fada and at the Franco-Arab school (Lycée Franco-Arabe) in Abéché.{{cite book|title=Dictionary of African Biography|date=2 February 2012|publisher=OUP USA|isbn=9780195382075|pages=172–173|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39JMAgAAQBAJ&q=bidayat+clan+zaghawa+africa&pg=RA1-PA172|access-date=18 October 2020|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420213744/https://books.google.com/books?id=39JMAgAAQBAJ&q=bidayat+clan+zaghawa+africa&pg=RA1-PA172|url-status=live}} He also attended the Lycée Jacques Moudeina in Bongor and held a bachelor's degree in science.{{cite web|url=http://ambatchadkwt.org/en/president-de-la-republique-du-tchad/|title=Biography of President IDRISS DEBY ITNO|publisher=Chad Embassy in Kuwait|access-date=30 August 2017|archive-date=30 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830224028/http://ambatchadkwt.org/en/president-de-la-republique-du-tchad/|url-status=live}}

After finishing school, he entered the Officers' School in N'Djamena. From there he was sent to France for training, returning to Chad in 1976 with a professional pilot certificate. He remained loyal to the army and President Félix Malloum even after Chad's central authority crumbled in 1979. He returned from France in February 1979 and found Chad had become a battleground for many armed groups. Déby tied his fortunes to those of Hissène Habré, one of the chief Chadian warlords. A year after Habré became president in 1982, Déby was made commander-in-chief of the army.

He distinguished himself in 1984 by destroying pro-Libyan forces in eastern Chad. In 1985, Habré sent him to Paris to follow a course at the École de Guerre and upon his return in 1986, he was made chief military advisor to the president. In 1987, he confronted Libyan forces on the field, with the help of France in the so-called "Toyota War", adopting tactics that inflicted heavy losses on enemy forces. During the war, he also led a raid on Maaten al-Sarra Air Base in Kufrah, in Libyan territory. A rift emerged on 1 April 1989 between Habré and Déby over the increasing power of the Presidential Guard.

According to Human Rights Watch,{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/08/31/qa-case-hissene-habre-extraordinary-african-chambers-senegal|title=Q African Chambers in Senegal|website=Human Rights Watch|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=26 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326004102/https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/08/31/qa-case-hissene-habre-extraordinary-african-chambers-senegal|url-status=live}} Habré was found responsible for "widespread political killings, systematic torture, and thousands of arbitrary arrests", as well as ethnic purges when it was perceived that group leaders could pose a threat to his rule, including many of Déby's Zaghawa ethnic group who supported the government. Increasingly paranoid, Habré accused Déby, minister of the interior Mahamat Itno, and then commander-in-chief of the Chadian army Hassan Djamous of preparing a coup d'état. Déby fled first to Darfur, then to Libya, where he was welcomed by Muammar Gaddafi in Tripoli. Itno and Djamous were arrested and killed.{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/reports/2005/chad0705/3.htm|title=Chad: The Victims of Hissène Habré Still Awaiting Justice: Historical Background|website=www.hrw.org|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=30 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030001758/http://www.hrw.org/reports/2005/chad0705/3.htm|url-status=live}} Since all three were ethnic Zaghawa, Habré started a targeted campaign against the group which saw hundreds seized, tortured, and imprisoned. Dozens died in detention or were summarily executed. In 2016, Habré was convicted of war crimes by a specially created international tribunal in Senegal.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36411466|title=Hissene Habre: Chad's ex-ruler convicted of crimes against humanity|work=BBC News|date=30 May 2016 |access-date=29 January 2017|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712195314/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36411466|url-status=live}} Déby gave the Libyans detailed information about CIA operations in Chad. Gaddafi offered Déby military aid to seize power in Chad in exchange for Libyan prisoners of war.

Déby relocated to Sudan in 1989 and formed the Patriotic Salvation Movement, an insurgent group,{{cite web|last=Chutel|first=Lynsey|title=Why the World Won't Criticize Chad|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/04/14/chad-election-idriss-deby-terror-sahel/|access-date=20 April 2021|website=Foreign Policy|language=en-US|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416064001/https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/04/14/chad-election-idriss-deby-terror-sahel/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=7 April 2016|title=Chad profile|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13164688|access-date=20 April 2021|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125004026/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13164688|url-status=live}} supported by Libya and Sudan,{{cite news |title=Profile: Idriss Deby |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2008/2/3/profile-idriss-deby |access-date=20 April 2021 |agency=Al Jazeera |date=3 February 2008 |quote=The PSM was supported by Libya and Sudan, and started rebel operations against Habre in 1989. |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420213721/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2008/2/3/profile-idriss-deby |url-status=live }} which started operations against Habré, and on 2 December 1990 Déby's troops marched unopposed into N'Djamena in a successful coup, ousting Habré.{{Cite news|last1=Riding|first1=Alan|last2=Times|first2=Special To the New York|date=3 December 1990|title=REBELS IN CONTROL OF CHAD'S CAPITAL|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/03/world/rebels-in-control-of-chad-s-capital.html|access-date=20 April 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119062528/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/03/world/rebels-in-control-of-chad-s-capital.html|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Idriss Déby's government}}

Idriss Déby assumed Chad's presidency in 1991. He was re-elected every five years up until the time of his death in 2021, equaling a total of 30 years in power.

After three months of the provisional government, on 28 February 1991, a charter was approved for Chad with Déby as president. During the following two years, Déby faced a series of coup attempts as government forces clashed with pro-Habré rebel groups, such as the Movement for Democracy and Development (MDD).{{cite web|url=http://www.start.umd.edu/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=4136|title=Terrorist Organization Profile – START – National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism|website=www.start.umd.edu|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=27 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327072145/http://www.start.umd.edu/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=4136|url-status=live}} Seeking to quell dissent, in 1993 Chad legalized political parties and held a National Conference which resulted in the gathering of 750 delegates, the government, trade unions, and the army to discuss the establishment of a pluralist democracy.{{cite web|date=16 July 2010|title=Chronology for Southerners in Chad|url=http://www.mar.umd.edu/chronology.asp?groupId=48302|website=University of Maryland|access-date=18 November 2020|archive-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809053011/http://www.mar.umd.edu/chronology.asp?groupId=48302|url-status=live}}

However, unrest continued. The Comité de Sursaut National pour la Paix et la Démocratie (CSNPD), led by Lt. Moise Kette, and other southern groups sought to prevent the Déby government from exploiting oil in the Doba Basin{{cite web|url=https://web.stanford.edu/group/ethnic/Random%20Narratives/ChadRN2.6.pdf|title=Chad|date=7 July 2006|website=stanford.edu|publisher=Stanford|access-date=24 April 2016|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306014208/http://web.stanford.edu/group/ethnic/Random%20Narratives/ChadRN2.6.pdf|url-status=live}} and started a rebellion that left hundreds dead. A peace agreement was reached in 1994, but it broke down soon thereafter. Two new groups, the Armed Forces for a Federal Republic (FARF) led by former Kette ally Laokein Barde, and the Democratic Front for Renewal (FDR), and a reformulated MDD clashed with government forces from 1994 to 1995.{{cite web |title=Chad (02/08) |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/chad/101210.htm |website=state.gov |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2009–2017 |access-date=20 April 2021 |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420213811/https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/chad/101210.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Chad (01/02) |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/chad/25987.htm |website=state.gov |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2009–2017 |access-date=20 April 2021 |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420213725/https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/chad/25987.htm |url-status=live }} {{source-attribution}}

Déby, in the mid-1990s, gradually restored basic functions of government and entered into agreements with the World Bank and IMF to carry out substantial economic reforms.

A new constitution was approved by referendum in March 1996, followed by a presidential election in June. Déby fell short of a majority; he was then elected president in the second round of votes held in July, with 69% of the vote.[http://africanelections.tripod.com/td.html Elections in Chad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903121601/http://africanelections.tripod.com/td.html |date=3 September 2011 }}, African Elections Database.

In 1998 the MDJT rebelled against Déby and his government. They signed a peace agreement in 2002.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

Déby was re-elected in the May 2001 presidential election, winning in the first round with 63.17% of the vote, according to official results."Chad: Council releases final polls results; Deby "elected" with 63.17 per cent", Radiodiffusion Nationale Tchadienne (nl.newsbank.com), 13 June 2001. A civil war between Christians and Muslims erupted in 2005, accompanied by tensions with Sudan. An attempted coup d'état, involving the shooting down of Déby's plane, was foiled in March 2006.[http://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/report/58438/chad-coup-attempt-foiled-government-says "Coup attempt foiled, government says"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025121201/http://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/report/58438/chad-coup-attempt-foiled-government-says |date=25 October 2019 }}, The New Humanitarian (formerly IRIN News), 15 March 2006.

File:Mr Idriss Déby.png

In mid-April 2006, there was fighting with rebels at N'Djaména, although the fighting soon subsided with government forces still in control of the capital.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4905388.stm "Chad confronts rebels in capital"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060414174852/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4905388.stm |date=14 April 2006 }}, BBC News, 13 April 2006. Déby subsequently broke ties with Sudan, accusing it of backing the rebels,Andrew England, [http://news.ft.com/cms/s/9d4087ea-cc1b-11da-a7bf-0000779e2340.html "Chad severs ties with Sudan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20150506172558/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9d4087ea-cc1b-11da-a7bf-0000779e2340.html%23axzz3ZNdg5OSx |date=6 May 2015 }}, Financial Times, 15 April 2006. and said that the May 2006 election would still take place.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4919796.stm Rebels 'will not delay' Chad poll"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060629231029/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4919796.stm |date=29 June 2006 }}, BBC News, 18 April 2006.

Déby was sworn in for another term in office on 8 August 2006.[http://english.people.com.cn/200608/09/eng20060809_291235.html "Deby sworn in as Chad's president"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311020408/http://english.people.com.cn/200608/09/eng20060809_291235.html |date=11 March 2009 }}, People's Daily Online, 9 August 2006. Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir attended Déby's inauguration, and the two leaders agreed to restore diplomatic relations on this occasion.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4775111.stm "Chad and Sudan resume relations"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219133824/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4775111.stm |date=19 December 2008 }}, BBC News, 9 August 2006.

After Déby's re-election, several rebel groups broke apart. Déby was in Abéché from 11 to 21 September 2006, flying in a helicopter to personally oversee attacks on Rally of Democratic Forces rebels.[http://allafrica.com/stories/200609210706.html "Chad: New Fronts Open in Eastern Fighting"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925203455/http://allafrica.com/stories/200609210706.html |date=25 September 2006 }} allAfrica.com, 21 September 2006.

The rebellion in the east continued, and rebels reached N'Djamena on 2 February 2008, with fighting occurring inside the city.[http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/2392EF0A-8B23-4CEC-9604-42A404A43C24.htm "Battle rages for Chadian capital"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080204114044/http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/2392EF0A-8B23-4CEC-9604-42A404A43C24.htm |date=4 February 2008 }}, Al Jazeera, 2 February 2008. After days of fighting, the government remained in control of N'Djamena. Speaking at a press conference on 6 February, Déby said that his forces had defeated the rebels, whom he described as "mercenaries directed by Sudan", and that his forces were in "total control" of the city as well as the whole country.[https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna23031600 "Chad's leader says government ‘in total control’"], Associated Press (MSNBC), 6 February 2008.

Against this backdrop, in June 2005, a successful referendum was held to eliminate a two-term constitutional limit, which enabled Déby to run again in 2006.[http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47778&SelectRegion=West_Africa&SelectCountry=CHAD "Strong yes vote in referendum allows President Deby to seek a new term"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060713022858/http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47778&SelectRegion=West_Africa&SelectCountry=CHAD |date=13 July 2006 }}, IRIN, 22 June 2005. More than 77% of voters approved.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4118482.stm|title=Chad votes to end two-term limit|date=22 June 2005|newspaper=BBC|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=8 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408010737/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4118482.stm|url-status=live}} Déby was a candidate in the 2006 presidential election, held 3 May, which was greeted with an opposition boycott. According to official results Déby won the election with 64.67% of the vote.[http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53580&SelectRegion=West_Africa "Déby win confirmed, but revised down to 64.67 pct"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822093838/http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53580&SelectRegion=West_Africa |date=22 August 2006 }}, IRIN, 29 May 2006.

In 2000, with the north/south dispute quelled, Déby's government started building the country's first oil pipeline, the 1,070 kilometer Chad-Cameroon project.{{cite web|url=http://www.columbia.edu/itc/sipa/martin/chad-cam/overview.html|title=Chad-Cameroon Pipeline Case Study|website=www.columbia.edu|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304155826/http://www.columbia.edu/itc/sipa/martin/chad-cam/overview.html|url-status=live}} The pipeline was completed in 2003 and praised by the World Bank as "an unprecedented framework to transform oil wealth into direct benefits for the poor, the vulnerable and the environment".{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_pHLAgAAQBAJ|title=Idriss Deby and the Darfur Conflict|last=Toïngar|first=Ésaïe|date=16 January 2014|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9780786492572|language=en}}

Oil exploitation in the southern Doba region began in June 2000, with World Bank Board approval to finance a small portion of a project, the Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development Project, aimed at transport of Chadian crude through a 1000-km buried pipeline through Cameroon to the Gulf of Guinea. The project established unique mechanisms for World Bank, private sector, government, and civil society collaboration to guarantee that future oil revenues benefit populations and result in poverty alleviation.

However, with Chad receiving only 12.5% of profits from oil production, and the agreement for these revenues to be deposited into a London-based Citibank escrow account monitored by an independent body to ensure the funds were used for public services and development,{{cite web|title=Chad's Oil Troubles|url=https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/chads-oil-troubles|access-date=20 April 2021|website=Council on Foreign Relations|language=en|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308025443/https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/chads-oil-troubles|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=29 August 2006|title=UPDATE 3-Chad leader wants majority stake in oil output|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUKL296035620060829|access-date=20 April 2021|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420213812/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUKL296035620060829|url-status=live}} not much wealth was immediately transferred to the country.

File:Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.jpg, who Déby had mixed relations with.]]

During the Chad–Sudan conflict, Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir supported any rebel group fighting against the Chadian government, and the proxy war saw opposition fighting on both sides. Déby visited Khartoum in February 2010 and the leaders would meet again in July 2010 when Bashir visited N'Djamena. These meetings resulted in Chad kicking out rebels while both counties committed to joint border patrols.{{Cite web |date=2010-02-09 |title=Sudan, Chad agree to end proxy wars |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2010-02-09-sudan-chad-agree-to-end-proxy-wars/ |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=2011-03-14 |title=The Sudan-Chad Proxy War (updated March 2011) – Chad {{!}} ReliefWeb |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/chad/sudan-chad-proxy-war-updated-march-2011 |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=reliefweb.int |language=en}} After Déby won the 2011 Chadian presidential election, Omar al-Bashir decided to visit N'Djamena to attend his inauguration in August. Even though Chad was technically able to arrest al-Bashir, it and other African states declined to do so.{{Cite web |last=Bosco |first=David |date=2011-08-08 |title=Omar al-Bashir is starting the week well |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2011/08/08/omar-al-bashir-is-starting-the-week-well/ |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}

File:Idriss Deby Itno IMG 3725.jpg

On 25 April 2011, Déby was re-elected for a fourth term with 88.7% of the vote and reappointed Emmanuel Nadingar as Prime Minister.{{cite web|url=http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Bashir-attends-Deby-inauguration-20110807|title=Bashir attends Deby inauguration|website=News24|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=24 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324003924/http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Bashir-attends-Deby-inauguration-20110807|url-status=live}}

Because of Chad's strategic position in West Africa, Déby sent troops or played a key mediating role in tackling multiple regional crises, such as Darfur, the Central African Republic (CAR), Mali, as well as the fight against Boko Haram.{{cite web|date=20 April 2021|title=Chad's Idriss Deby, a longstanding French ally in the troubled Sahel|url=https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210420-chad-s-idriss-deby-a-longstanding-french-ally-in-the-troubled-sahel|access-date=20 April 2021|website=France 24|language=en|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420120158/https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210420-chad-s-idriss-deby-a-longstanding-french-ally-in-the-troubled-sahel|url-status=live}}

With the security situation in the Central African Republic deteriorating, Déby decided in 2012 to deploy 400 troops to fight the CAR rebels. In January 2013, Chad also sent 2000 troops to fight Islamist groups in Mali, as part of France's Operation Serval.{{cite news|title=Mali crisis: Chad's Idriss Deby announces troop pullout – BBC News|work=BBC News |date=15 April 2013 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-22150625|access-date=18 March 2016|language=en-GB|archive-date=20 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320045000/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-22150625|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=20 February 2020|title=Why are French soldiers in the Sahel? Protesters have an answer {{!}} Alexandra Reza|url=http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/20/france-soldiers-sahel-emmanuel-macron-protest|access-date=20 April 2021|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418231529/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/20/france-soldiers-sahel-emmanuel-macron-protest|url-status=live}}

In 2006, Chad was placed at the top of the list of the world's most corrupt nations by Forbes magazine,{{cite web|url=http://www.umich.edu/~snre492/Jones/pipe.htm|title=Environmental Justice Case Study: The Chad/Cameroon Oil and Pipeline Project|access-date=8 March 2015|archive-date=31 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731013832/http://umich.edu/~snre492/Jones/pipe.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/05/06/steve-coll-on-exxonmobil-s-sinister-kingdom-and-private-empire.html|title=Steve Coll On ExxonMobil's Sinister Kingdom and 'Private Empire'|work=The Daily Beast|date=6 May 2012 |access-date=8 March 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130327/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/05/06/steve-coll-on-exxonmobil-s-sinister-kingdom-and-private-empire.html|url-status=live|last1=So |first1=Jimmy }}{{cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/06/21/mr_lonely|title=Mr. Lonely|work=Foreign Policy|access-date=8 March 2015|archive-date=3 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903185316/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/06/21/mr_lonely|url-status=live}} In 2012, Déby launched a nationwide anticorruption campaign called Operation Cobra, which reportedly recovered some $50 million in embezzled funds.{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/e/eb/rls/othr/ics/2013/204619.htm|title=Chad|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321213045/https://2009-2017.state.gov/e/eb/rls/othr/ics/2013/204619.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.alwihdainfo.com/Enfin-une-operation-Cobra-lancee-contre-l-enrichissement-illicite-au-Tchad_a5117.html|title=Enfin, une "opération Cobra" lancée contre l'enrichissement illicite au Tchad|last=Yacoub|first=Djamil Ahmat|website=Alwihda Info – Actualités TCHAD, Afrique, International|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=20 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320092227/http://www.alwihdainfo.com/Enfin-une-operation-Cobra-lancee-contre-l-enrichissement-illicite-au-Tchad_a5117.html|url-status=live}} Nongovernmental organizations say, however, that Déby has used such initiatives to punish rivals and reward cronies.{{cite web|url=http://www.transparency.org/files/content/corruptionqas/Country_profile_Chad_2014.pdf|title=Transparency International Country Profile: Chad|accessdate=20 April 2021|archive-date=7 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907015133/https://www.transparency.org/files/content/corruptionqas/Country_profile_Chad_2014.pdf|url-status=live}} As of 2016, Transparency International ranked Chad 147 out of 168 nations on its corruption index.{{cite web|url=https://www.transparency.org/country/#TCD|title=Transparency International – Country Profiles|last=e.V.|first=Transparency International|website=www.transparency.org|access-date=24 April 2016|archive-date=31 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331114640/http://www.transparency.org/country/#TCD|url-status=live}}

File:Idriss Deby with Obamas 2014.jpg

Faced with a growing threat from Boko Haram, Déby increased Chad's participation in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a combined multinational formation comprising units from Niger, Nigeria, Benin, and Cameroon.{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20150812-tchad-idriss-deby-president-vaincre-boko-haram-etat-islamique-afrique-ouest|title=Boko Haram est "décapité", assure le président tchadien Idriss Déby – RFI|website=RFI Afrique|date=12 August 2015 |language=fr-FR|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=20 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320173336/http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20150812-tchad-idriss-deby-president-vaincre-boko-haram-etat-islamique-afrique-ouest|url-status=live}} In August 2015, Déby claimed in an interview that the MNJTF has successfully "decapitated" Boko Haram.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/boko-haram-decapitated-chadian-leader-000405864.html|title=Boko Haram has been 'decapitated': Chadian leader|website=Yahoo News|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=26 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326034533/http://news.yahoo.com/boko-haram-decapitated-chadian-leader-000405864.html|url-status=live}}

File:Idriss Deby Itno and Chadian First Lady waiting to vote 2016.jpg

In January 2016, Déby succeeded Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe to become the chairman of the African Union for a one-year term. Upon his inauguration, Déby told presidents that conflicts around the continent had to end "Through diplomacy or by force... We must put an end to these tragedies of our time. We cannot make progress and talk of development if part of our body is sick. We should be the main actors in the search for solution to Africa's crises".{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/chads-deby-becomes-african-union-chairman-130843117.html|title=Chad's Deby becomes new African Union chairman|website=Yahoo News|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=26 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326063239/http://news.yahoo.com/chads-deby-becomes-african-union-chairman-130843117.html|url-status=live}} One of Déby's first priorities was to accelerate the fight against Boko Haram. On 4 March, the African Union agreed to expand the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to 10,000 troops.

During the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, Idriss Déby raised the issue of Lake Chad, whose area was a small fraction of what it had been in 1973, and called on the international community to provide financing to protect the ecosystem.{{cite web|url=http://www.greenetvert.fr/2015/12/11/lac-tchad-et-cop-21-le-cri-dalarme-didriss-deby/83051|title=Lac Tchad et COP 21 : le cri d'alarme d'Idriss Déby|website=Green et Vert|date=11 December 2015 |access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=17 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317182530/http://www.greenetvert.fr/2015/12/11/lac-tchad-et-cop-21-le-cri-dalarme-didriss-deby/83051|url-status=live}}

In February 2016, Déby was nominated by the Patriotic Salvation Movement to run for a new term in the April 2016 Presidential elections.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-35541642|title=Chad President Idriss Deby seeks fifth term in office|work=BBC News |date=10 February 2016 |access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=29 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229125556/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-35541642|url-status=live}} He pledged to reinstate term limits in the Constitution of Chad in saying that "We must limit terms, we must not concentrate on a system in which a change in power becomes difficult. "In 2005 the constitutional reform was conducted in a context where life of the nation was in danger".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35541642|title=Chad President Idriss Deby seeks fifth term in office – BBC News|work=BBC News |date=10 February 2016 |language=en-GB|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=31 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331075341/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35541642|url-status=live}}

In 2017, the United States Justice Department alleged Déby accepted a $2 million bribe in return for providing a People's Republic of China company with an opportunity to obtain oil rights in Chad without international competition.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-corruption/u-s-charges-two-with-bribing-african-officials-for-china-energy-firm-idUSKBN1DK2Q6|title=U.S. charges two with bribing African officials for China energy firm|date=21 November 2017|access-date=22 November 2017|newspaper=Reuters|archive-date=22 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122080747/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-corruption/u-s-charges-two-with-bribing-african-officials-for-china-energy-firm-idUSKBN1DK2Q6|url-status=live}}

In January 2019, Déby and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the resumption of diplomatic relations between Chad and Israel. Netanyahu described his visit to Chad as “part of the revolution we are having in the Arab and Muslim world.”[https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/israeli-pm-visits-chad-to-restore-relations/1369706 Israeli PM visits Chad to restore relations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121010954/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/israeli-pm-visits-chad-to-restore-relations/1369706 |date=21 January 2019 }}. 20 January 2019. AA.

File:Marshal Idriss Deby Itno.png

Déby signed a bill abolishing capital punishment in 2020. The firing squad had last been used on terrorists in 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/chad-abolishes-the-death-penalty-47314174|title=Chad abolishes the death penalty|website=www.iol.co.za|accessdate=20 April 2021|archive-date=5 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005021110/https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/chad-abolishes-the-death-penalty-47314174|url-status=live}}

In March 2020, Déby set up a COVID-19 management committee, replacing the health monitoring unit.{{Cite web |date=2020-05-16 |title=Chad: President Idriss Déby takes personal charge of Covid-19 committee |url=https://www.panapress.com/Chad-President-idriss-Deby-takes-a_630642161-lang2.html |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=Panafrican News Agency |language=en}}

In June 2020, the National Assembly bestowed Déby with the additional title of "Marshal of Chad", for "service rendered to the Nation and the numerous military victories won both inside and outside the country". He officially received the title during a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of Chad's independence on 11 August.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-27 |title=Le président tchadien Idriss Déby devient "maréchal" |url=https://www.voaafrique.com/a/le-pr%C3%A9sident-tchadien-idriss-d%C3%A9by-%C3%A9lev%C3%A9-au-titre-de-mar%C3%A9chal/5479608.html |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=Voice of America |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=2020-08-11 |title=Tchad: le président Déby devient maréchal pour les 60 ans de l'indépendance |url=https://www.lepoint.fr/monde/tchad-le-president-deby-devient-marechal-pour-les-60-ans-de-l-independance-11-08-2020-2387410_24.php |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=Le Point |language=fr}}

In February 2021, Déby announced Chad would send 1,200 soldiers alongside French troops to the Sahel border between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, to combat al-Qaeda linked groups.{{cite web|date=16 February 2021|title=Macron takes aim at Sahel jihadist groups, Chad to send troops|url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20210216-macron-takes-aim-at-sahel-jihadist-groups-chad-to-send-troops-g5-summit-military-operation-barkhane|access-date=20 April 2021|website=RFI|language=en|archive-date=4 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304043238/https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20210216-macron-takes-aim-at-sahel-jihadist-groups-chad-to-send-troops-g5-summit-military-operation-barkhane|url-status=live}}

In the 2021 presidential election, Déby won his sixth term as president, when results were announced on 19 April, with 79.32% of the votes.{{cite web|date=20 April 2021|title=Chad's President wins reelection, extending 30 years in power|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/456340-chads-president-wins-reelection-extending-30-years-in-power.html|access-date=20 April 2021|language=en-GB|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420111547/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/456340-chads-president-wins-reelection-extending-30-years-in-power.html|url-status=live}} In February earlier in the same year, Chadian security forces had attempted to arrest opposition leader Yaya Dillo Djérou, with Djérou claiming five members of his family were killed during this attempt, and the government instead reporting three were killed. Most political opponents had withdrawn from the election, urging a boycott, alleging attacks and excessive use of force by security forces during anti-government protests.{{Cite news|date=11 April 2021|title=Chad presidential election: Idriss Déby seeks sixth term amid boycott|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56708261|access-date=20 April 2021|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411134206/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56708261|url-status=live}} Instead of giving a victory speech, Déby went to command the Chadian soldiers in person on the frontlines fighting the northern rebel incursion by the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT).{{cite web|title=Chad's Idriss Deby wins 6th term as army fends off rebel advance|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/20/chads-idriss-deby-wins-6th-term-as-army-fends-off-rebel-advance|access-date=20 April 2021|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420070628/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/20/chads-idriss-deby-wins-6th-term-as-army-fends-off-rebel-advance|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=20 April 2021|title=Chadian President Idriss Déby has died of injuries suffered on the frontline (army)|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210420-chadian-president-idriss-d%C3%A9by-has-died-of-injuries-suffered-on-the-frontline-army|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420104844/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210420-chadian-president-idriss-d%C3%A9by-has-died-of-injuries-suffered-on-the-frontline-army|archive-date=20 April 2021|access-date=20 April 2021|website=France 24}}

According to the accounts from both military and rebel spokesmen, on 18 April he was said to have been caught in a crossfire in the village of Mele, near the town of Nokou, and sustained lethal gunshot injuries;{{Cite news|last=Ramadane|first=Madjiasra Nako, Mahamat|date=21 April 2021|title=Chad in turmoil after Deby death as rebels, opposition challenge military|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chad-deby-idUSKBN2C818G|access-date=21 April 2021}} despite being immediately flown to the capital for emergency medical rescue,{{cite web |url=https:// |title=Chad:President Idriss Deby dies, say national radio |access-date=20 April 2021 }}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} he still succumbed to his wounds two days later and died on 20 April, at the age of 68.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/20/chads-president-deby-has-died-of-injuries|title=Chad President Idriss Deby has died: Army spokesman|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=20 April 2021|accessdate=20 April 2021|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420113259/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/20/chads-president-deby-has-died-of-injuries|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/20/chad-president-idriss-deby-dies-military-says|title=Chad's president Idriss Déby dies 'on battlefield', military says|first=Jason|last=Burke|work=The Guardian|date=20 April 2021|accessdate=20 April 2021|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420114255/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/20/chad-president-idriss-deby-dies-military-says|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last1=Takadji|first1=Edouard|last2=Larson|first2=Krista|date=20 April 2021|title=Rebels vow to take capital after Chadian president killed|work=CTV News|publisher=Bell media|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/rebels-vow-to-take-capital-after-chadian-president-killed-1.5394294|access-date=20 April 2021|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420203549/https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/rebels-vow-to-take-capital-after-chadian-president-killed-1.5394294|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Chad President Idriss Deby dies on front lines, according to an army statement|url=https://www.dw.com/en/chad-president-idriss-deby-dies-on-front-lines-according-to-an-army-statement/a-57262804|access-date=20 April 2021|work=Deutsche Welle|date=20 April 2021|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420110356/https://www.dw.com/en/chad-president-idriss-deby-dies-on-front-lines-according-to-an-army-statement/a-57262804|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=20 April 2021|title=Chad President Idriss Deby dies on front lines, says army spokesman|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/chad-president-idriss-deby-has-died-says-army-spokesman-2021-04-20/|access-date=20 April 2021|website=Reuters|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420105803/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/chad-president-idriss-deby-has-died-says-army-spokesman-2021-04-20/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=21 April 2021|title=Explainer-Who are the rebels threatening to take Chad's capital?|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-chad-security-rebels-idUSKBN2C8231|access-date=21 April 2021|website=Reuters}}

The Chadian Parliament and Government were both dissolved upon his death{{cite news|url=https://news.trust.org/item/20210420111727-lvy4q/|title=Chad President Idriss Deby killed on frontline, son to take over|agency=Reuters|publisher=Thomas Reuters News|date=20 April 2021|accessdate=20 April 2021|archive-date=22 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422132204/https://news.trust.org/item/20210420111727-lvy4q/|url-status=dead}} and a Transitional Military Council was formed in its place with his son Mahamat Déby Itno as chairman.{{Cite news|title=Chad Sets Up Transitional Military Council Headed By Son Of Late President – Reports|url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/chad-sets-up-transitional-military-council-he-1229174.html|access-date=20 April 2021|website=UrduPoint|language=en|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420180244/https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/chad-sets-up-transitional-military-council-he-1229174.html|url-status=live}} In addition, the Constitution of Chad was suspended and replaced by a new charter.{{cite web|date=21 April 2021|title=Rebels threaten to march on capital as Chad reels from president's battlefield death|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/rebels-threaten-march-capital-chad-reels-presidents-battlefield-death-2021-04-21/|access-date=3 May 2021|website=Reuters}} The government ordered a fourteen-day national mourning with flags half-masted and closed public institutions and educational establishments for several days.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/20/chad-ndjamena-on-edge-as-residents-stunned-by-debys-death|title = N'Djamena 'on edge' as residents shocked by news of Deby's death}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/20/chads-military-announces-new-interim-government-after-deby-death|title=Deby's death and Chad's next day: This is what the army announced}} A three-day national mourning was announced in Mali{{cite web|url=http://apanews.net/en/pays/mali/news/mali-declares-3-days-of-national-mourning-for-idriss-deby|title = Mali in three-day mourning for Chad's Déby}} and South Sudan;{{cite web|url=https://panafricanvisions.com/2021/04/south-sudan-kiir-mourns-deby-orders-flag-to-fly-at-half-mast-for-three-days/|title=South Sudan: Kiir Mourns Dèby, orders flags to fly at half mast for three days|date=22 April 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sudanspost.com/kiir-declares-3-days-of-mourning-following-chadian-presidents-killing/|title = Kiir declares 3 days of mourning following Chadian president's killing|date = 21 April 2021}} one day of mourning was declared in Cuba,{{cite web|url=http://www.cubadebate.cu/noticias/2021/04/22/decretan-duelo-oficial-por-fallecimiento-del-presidente-de-la-republica-del-chad/ |title=Decretan duelo oficial por fallecimiento del Presidente de la República del Chad | Cubadebate |publisher=Cubadebate.cu |date=22 April 2021 |accessdate=3 September 2022}} Democratic Republic of the Congo,{{cite web|url=https://acpcongo.com/index.php/2021/04/21/president-felix-tshisekedi-declares-a-day-of-national-mourning-following-the-death-of-idriss-deby-of-chad/|title=President Felix Tshisekedi declares a day of national mourning following the death of Idriss Déby of Chad | acpcongo|access-date=16 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411112004/https://acpcongo.com/index.php/2021/04/21/president-felix-tshisekedi-declares-a-day-of-national-mourning-following-the-death-of-idriss-deby-of-chad/|url-status=dead}} Guinea{{cite web|url=https://www.guinee7.com/mort-didriss-deby-le-gouvernement-guineen-proclame-un-deuil-national/|title=Mort d'Idriss Deby : Le gouvernement guinéen proclame un " deuil national "|date=21 April 2021}} and Republic of the Congo.{{cite web | url=https://www.financialafrik.com/2021/04/22/congo-denis-sassou-nguesso-decrete-un-deuil-national-en-memoire-didriss-deby-itno/ | title=Congo : Denis Sassou N'Guesso décrète un deuil national en mémoire d'Idriss Deby Itno | date=22 April 2021 }}

Déby's funeral took place on 23 April 2021.{{Cite news|date=20 April 2021|title=Chad's President Idriss Déby dies after clashes with rebels|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56815708|access-date=20 April 2021|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420200202/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56815708|url-status=live}} On that day, thousands gathered in the streets of N'Djamena to pay their respects to Déby. French President Emmanuel Macron, Guinean President Alpha Condé, and several other African leaders attended the funeral.{{cite news |title=Thousands gather to wish Chad's slain president "a deserved rest" |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/thousands-gather-wish-chads-slain-president-deserved-rest-2021-04-23/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |work=Reuters |date=23 April 2021}}{{cite web|date=23 April 2021|title=France's Macron attends funeral of Chadian president Idriss Déby|url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20210423-france-s-macron-attends-funeral-of-chadian-president-idriss-d%C3%A9by|access-date=23 April 2021|website=RFI|language=en}}{{Cite news|last=Peltier|first=Elian|date=23 April 2021|title=Foreign Leaders Attend Funeral for President Idriss Déby of Chad|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/23/world/africa/chad-idriss-deby-funeral.html|access-date=23 April 2021|issn=0362-4331}}

Déby added "Itno" to his surname in January 2006. He was a graduate of Muammar Gaddafi's World Revolutionary Center.{{cite web|author=Douglas Farah|date=4 March 2011|title=Harvard for Tyrants|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/03/04/harvard_for_tyrants|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105054038/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/03/04/harvard_for_tyrants|archive-date=5 November 2014|access-date=7 March 2017|publisher=The Foreign Policy}}

Déby was polygamous and had four wives by 2018 – Zina Wazouna Ahmed Idriss, Hadja Halimé, Hinda Déby Itno (m. 2005), and Amani Musa Hila (m. 2012).{{cite news |first=Chidochashe Nyere |last=Nyere |title=African First Ladies, Politics and the State: The Four First Ladies of Chad |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329374370 |work=University of South Africa |date=December 2018 |access-date=26 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426023723/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329374370_African_First_Ladies_Politics_and_the_State |archive-date=26 April 2021 |url-status=live }} BBC News has also mentioned a fifth wife named Ali Bouye. Déby had at least a dozen children.

In September 2005, Déby married Hinda (born 1977), who was reputed for her beauty. This marriage attracted much attention in Chad, and due to tribal affiliations it was seen by many as a strategic means for Déby to bolster his support while under pressure from rebels.Emily Wax, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/01/AR2006050101503.html?nav=rss_world "New First Lady Captivates Chad"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008030253/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/01/AR2006050101503.html?nav=rss_world |date=8 October 2017 }}, The Washington Post, 2 May 2006, page A17. Though she was not Déby's oldest or newest wife, Hinda Déby was considered the "First Lady of Chad" due to her influential positions in government and politics. Hinda was a member of the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency, serving as Special Secretary.[http://www.presidencedutchad.org/presidence/Cabinet%20Civil1.htm "Liste des Membres du Cabinet Civil de la Présidence de la République"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423230216/http://www.presidencedutchad.org/presidence/Cabinet%20Civil1.htm |date=23 April 2008 }}, Chadian presidency website (accessed 4 May 2008) {{in lang|fr}}. The daughter of a top Chadian diplomat, Hinda Déby Itno has dual Chadian and French citizenship.{{cite news |first= |last=|title=Chad: Umwiryane mu muryango wa Idriss Déby urongera ibibazo mu nzibacyuho |url=https://www.bbc.com/gahuza/amakuru-56862978 |work=BBC News Gahuza |publisher= |date=23 April 2021 |access-date=27 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425152448/https://www.bbc.com/gahuza/amakuru-56862978 |archive-date=25 April 2021 |url-status=live }} She and Déby had five children, all born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, who also hold French nationality.

On 21 January 2012, Déby married his most recent wife, Amani Musa Hila, a Sudanese national, member of Idriss Déby's Zaghawa tribe, and daughter of Janjaweed militia leader Musa Hilal in Darfur.{{cite news |first= |last=|title=Chad president weds Janjaweed chief daughter |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/373239/chad-president-weds-janjaweed-chief-daughter.html |work=Modern Ghana |publisher= |date=29 January 2012 |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422123645/https://www.modernghana.com/news/373239/chad-president-weds-janjaweed-chief-daughter.html |archive-date=22 April 2021 |url-status=live }} The marriage was seen as a way to strengthen bilateral ties between Chad and Sudan following a 2010 agreement to normalize diplomatic relations.

On 2 July 2007, Déby's son, Brahim, was found dead aged 27 in the parking garage of his apartment near Paris.{{cite web|date=3 July 2007|title=Chadian president's son found dead near Paris apartment|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/jul/03/france.angeliquechrisafis|access-date=21 April 2021|website=the Guardian|language=en}} A murder inquiry was launched by the French police. Blogger Makaila Nguebla attributes the defection of many Chadian government leaders to their indignation over Brahim's conduct: "He is at the root of all the frustration. He used to slap government ministers, senior Chadian officials were humiliated by Déby's son."[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6261408.stm "Chad leader's son killed in Paris"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124003656/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6261408.stm |date=24 November 2018 }} BBC News, 2 July 2007. In July 2011, four men were convicted of "robbery leading to death without intention to kill" in the case and sentenced to prison sentences of between five and thirteen years.{{Cite news|date=7 July 2011|title=Jail terms over death of Chad leader's son Brahim Deby|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14070102|access-date=20 April 2021|archive-date=5 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605002102/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14070102|url-status=live}}

Déby was a practicing Muslim.{{cite web|url=https://www.themuslim500.com/profiles/he-president-idriss-deby-itno/|title=His Excellency President Idriss Deby Itno|website=The Muslim 500|language=en-US|access-date=2 August 2019|archive-date=3 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803000410/https://www.themuslim500.com/profiles/he-president-idriss-deby-itno/|url-status=live}}

• List of heads of state of Chad
• Human rights in Chad
• List of assassinated and executed heads of state and government

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Category:1952 births

Category:2021 deaths

Category:Central African Republic Bush War

Category:Chadian Civil War (2005–2010)

Category:Chadian military personnel killed in action

Category:Chadian Muslims

Category:Chadian rebels

Category:Chadian anti-communists

Category:Deaths by firearm in Chad

Category:Heads of state of Chad

Category:20th-century Chadian politicians

Category:Leaders who took power by coup

Category:People from Ennedi-Est Region

Category:People from Fada, Chad

Category:People of the Central African Republic Civil War

Category:Politicians killed in wars

Category:Zaghawa people

Category:Politicians assassinated in 2021

Category:Elected officials who died without taking their seats