Chadian transitional president, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, delivered a powerful message of solidarity to Nigerien transitional authorities during a state visit on Wednesday.
His remarks underscored a vision for a sovereign Africa and a renewed commitment to Sahelian cooperation.
Welcomed by his host, Nigerien head of state General Abdourahamane Tiani, Deby praised the resilience of the Nigerien people. “Chad, a brother forever, stands by your side in times of trial as well as in times of hope,” he declared, calling his presence “a profound conviction.”
Embracing a pan-African perspective, Deby stated that his visit was part of “a clear vision, that of sovereignty, that of an Africa awakening and deciding to take charge of its destiny.” He highlighted the recent abolition of visas between Chad and Niger as a symbol of this renewed commitment to bilateral cooperation, which is rooted in a historical framework agreement from 1961 and reinforced by the Niamey Joint Commission in 2013. The expanded partnership now includes security, trade, human mobility, and environmental protection.
Deby also commended the political maturity of the Nigerien people and urged African nations to reject external submission. “Sovereignty cannot be decreed; it must be built, defended, and assumed,” he asserted.
In response, General Tiani described the visit as “fraternal and strategic,” emphasizing the need to “reactivate cooperation between our two states” to address shared challenges.
The visit concluded with a joint communiqué outlining several concrete measures for collaboration: Strengthening cooperation, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin. Accelerating initiatives such as a pipeline, Niger’s supply of diesel to Chad, and the Salkadamna energy project. Interconnecting fiber optic networks. Implementing a visa exemption to facilitate the movement of nationals.
The communiqué also confirmed that the next meeting of the joint cooperation commission would be held in Ndjamena, signaling a continued commitment to regular high-level engagement.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA