The Chadian government’s effort to consolidate control over its military has intensified, with President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno dismissing nine more officers, including a general, from the national army on Monday, April 14, 2025.
The dismissals, attributed to “serious misconduct,” represent the third wave of such actions within five days.
Two new presidential decrees, released on Monday, ordered the expulsion of the nine officers, comprising both generals and junior officers. The Ministry of Defense again cited “serious misconduct” as the reason for the dismissals, without providing specific details.
These recent measures follow similar actions taken on April 9th and 11th. Notably, Army General Abdelrahim Bahar Mahamat Itno, the president’s first cousin, was among those dismissed, amid reports alleging “rebellious intentions.” Second Lieutenant Djibrine Tidjani Abbas was also demoted and dismissed on similar grounds.
The escalation of these sanctions coincides with Chad’s efforts to tighten control over its Defense and Security Forces amidst a volatile security environment. Following threats issued by the Sudanese army’s second-in-command, Ndjamena ordered a physical census of its troops, with absentees now considered deserters.
Simultaneously, the authorities have prohibited soldiers from expressing opinions on social media and holding multiple positions, actions framed as necessary to restore discipline within the military ranks.
Since assuming power in April 2021, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has expressed his intent to reform an army often criticized for clannish tendencies. The ongoing wave of dismissals signals a significant hardening of the government’s stance towards its own military leadership.
CA/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA