President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad was officially presented with the 2026 African Peace Prize on Tuesday during the opening of the 6th African Conference for the Promotion of Peace in Nouakchott.
The award, which was announced in Geneva earlier this year, was received on the President’s behalf by Dr. Ahmat Oumar Ahmat, the Chadian Minister Delegate for Territorial Administration. This prestigious distinction recognizes Déby’s commitment to internal national reconciliation and his strategic choice to prioritize dialogue over confrontation during Chad’s sensitive political transition.
A primary factor in the committee’s decision was the humanitarian leadership displayed by Chad in response to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan. The United Nations and the University for Peace (UPEACE) specifically lauded the Chadian government for the unconditional opening of its borders, which facilitated the creation of vital humanitarian corridors in regions such as Adre and Amdjarass. Unlike many modern refugee responses, nearly 45% of the hundreds of thousands of Sudanese fleeing the war have been directly integrated into local Chadian communities, sharing essential resources like water, housing, and schools—an act of solidarity the UN described as a rare example of African generosity.
The selection process involved a unanimous decision by a diverse committee of international diplomats, legal experts, and human rights defenders. Sheikh Abdullah Ben Bayyah, the General Coordinator of the African Peace Conference, emphasized that the prize honors a leadership vision that places human life at the center of political priorities. By successfully managing a transition without descending into large-scale violence and actively combating cross-border crime and extremism, Déby’s administration has aligned itself with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals for a secure and developed continent.
The ceremony in Nouakchott also featured the Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Youssef Al-Dobeay, who reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting peace-building efforts throughout the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. As the conference continues through February 12, President Déby joins an esteemed list of previous laureates, including the leaders of Niger, Nigeria, The Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire, all recognized for their roles in fostering stability across the African continent.
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