Chadian President Mohamed Déby has been officially conferred the rank of Marshal, the highest honor in the country’s military hierarchy, following a vote by Chad’s Transitional National Council.
This makes him only the second individual in the nation’s history to achieve this distinction, after his late father, Idriss Déby, who was awarded the title shortly before his assassination in 2021.
The council described the promotion as recognition of Mohamed Déby’s “exceptional military sacrifices, courage, and professionalism” throughout his career in the Chadian Armed Forces.
The resolution cited his leadership during Operation “Jascanet,” a military campaign targeting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, as well as his role in steering the nation through a three-year transitional period following his father’s death.
Mohamed Déby assumed the presidency after being elected earlier this year, concluding a transitional government period that began after his father’s death in clashes with northern rebels in 2021.
His election marked a continuation of the Déby family’s political and military legacy in Chad.
The rank of Marshal carries significant historical and symbolic weight in Chad. Idriss Déby, who led the country for 30 years, was the first to receive this honor.
The title underscores the highest degree of military valor and recognition in the nation’s armed forces.
This latest development solidifies Mohamed Déby’s dual role as both a military and political leader, as Chad continues to grapple with security challenges and political complexities.
It also highlights the Déby family’s enduring influence in the nation’s governance and military leadership.
