Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno decorated four senior officials from the World Bank Group on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the opening of the African Water Forum in N’Djamena.
The prestigious honors were awarded in recognition of their outstanding contributions to strengthening the strategic partnership between the global financial institution and the Republic of Chad.
The formal decorations followed a high-level audience between President Déby and a World Bank delegation led by Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde. During their meeting, the Head of State praised the bank’s ongoing commitment to Chad’s core development priorities, specifically highlighting its support in bolstering water security, building climate resilience, and mobilizing critical international investments.
As a co-organizer of the African Water Forum alongside the host government, the World Bank continues to play a vital role in Chad. The institution currently funds several key programs focused on expanding access to clean water, building sustainable infrastructure, and driving long-term development.
To mark this collaborative success, President Déby elevated Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde and the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, to the esteemed rank of Commander of the National Order of Chad.
At the same ceremony, Harold Tavares, the Executive Director representing Chad on the World Bank Group’s Board of Directors, and Clara de Sousa, the outgoing Country Director for the Sahel, were appointed as Officers of the National Order of Chad.
These honors coincide with the broader sessions of the African Water Forum, a landmark event bringing together African leaders, technical experts, and international financial partners.
The forum serves as a collaborative platform to accelerate funding and design sustainable water resource management strategies, which are increasingly vital as the continent faces the compounding pressures of rapid population growth and climate change.
CA/te/Sf/abj/APA