In a solemn ceremony held in N’Djamena, Mr. Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi, President of the Parliament of Chad, inaugurated the ordinary session of the Congress on May 20, 2026. His address, laden with both gravity and hope, underscored the nation’s pressing security concerns and the urgent need for institutional reforms, calling for national unity and unwavering political responsibility.
The opening remarks were deeply moving as Mr. Tchaïmi paid tribute to the fallen soldiers who lost their lives in recent clashes with Boko Haram militants in the Lac Province. He described it as « a profoundly challenging moment for our nation, » acknowledging the immense sacrifices made by the defense and security forces in safeguarding Chad’s territorial integrity. A moment of silence was observed to honor the memory of those who perished in terrorist and intercommunal violence that has gripped the country.
In a tribute to former parliamentarian Haoua Outman Djame, who passed away on March 26, 2026, Mr. Tchaïmi praised her dedication to public service, her commitment to republican values, and her rigorous approach to legislative work. Her legacy, he noted, continues to inspire the current assembly.
The session’s agenda is packed with critical legislative priorities. Among them, the revision of the Congress’s internal regulations to align with the amended Constitution of December 17, 2023, stands out as a key objective. Additionally, lawmakers will deliberate on the government’s request to extend the state of emergency in the Lac Province by 45 days. This extension follows a 21-day emergency decree issued on May 7, 2026, in response to ongoing terrorist threats in the region.
Beyond national concerns, Mr. Tchaïmi highlighted Chad’s growing diplomatic influence on the African continent. He celebrated the appointment of Senator Mariam Mahamat Nour as Vice President of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the election of Deputy Djidda Mamar Mahamat as the third Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament. These milestones, he emphasized, reflect the Parliament’s strengthened role in regional governance.
The President of the Congress firmly rejected allegations made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding alleged incidents involving security forces and local fishermen in the Lac Province. Describing the accusations as « a distorted and misleading interpretation of events, » he reaffirmed the Parliament’s full support for President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and the armed forces engaged in the fight against terrorism.
Addressing the intercommunal violence that recently erupted in the Dar Tama department of the Wadi Fira Province, Mr. Tchaïmi urged dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence to prevent further escalation. He stressed that the Parliament bears a historic responsibility to address the nation’s challenges, urging lawmakers to work tirelessly toward building « a stable, secure, united, and prosperous Chad. » With these words, the ordinary session of the Parliament of the Republic of Chad was officially declared open.
Key issues on the Parliament’s agenda
- Constitutional alignment: Revising the Congress’s internal regulations to comply with the 2023 constitutional amendments.
- Security measures: Reviewing the extension of the state of emergency in the Lac Province to sustain counter-terrorism operations.
- Regional diplomacy: Celebrating Chad’s rising profile in African parliamentary and economic blocs.
- Intercommunal harmony: Promoting dialogue to address tensions in the Wadi Fira Province.
Tributes and remembrances
The session’s opening was marked by solemn tributes, including:
- A tribute to fallen soldiers in the fight against Boko Haram.
- A moment of silence for victims of intercommunal and terrorist violence.
- A posthumous recognition of former Deputy Haoua Outman Djame’s contributions to the Parliament.