On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Chad’s transitional President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno delivered a resounding message of solidarity and unity during his official state visit to Niger, emphasizing the need for an Africa that controls its own destiny.
Standing alongside his host, General Abdourahamane Tiani, President Déby praised the resilience of the Nigerien people in the face of mounting political and security pressure.
“Le Tchad, frère de toujours, se tient à vos côtés dans le moment d’épreuve comme dans celui d’espoir. Ce n’est pas une simple posture, mais une conviction profonde,” he declared, his words laced with gravity and unwavering support.
Far from a routine diplomatic engagement, Déby framed his visit within a broader pan-African vision. “Ma présence ici dépasse largement celle d’un simple déplacement protocolaire.
Elle s’inscrit dans une vision claire, celle de la souveraineté, celle d’une Afrique qui se réveille et qui décide de prendre en main son destin,” he said.
A key announcement from Déby was the abolition of visa requirements between Chad and Niger, symbolizing a deepening of historical and bilateral ties. He referred to the foundational cooperation agreement signed on November 9, 1961, and the Niamey Joint Commission in 2013, citing the need to expand collaboration in vital sectors including security, trade, environmental protection, and freedom of movement.
The Chadian leader also commended the political maturity of Niger’s citizens, who, in his view, expressed their will “dans le calme, la dignité et la détermination.”
He called on African nations to reject the frameworks of foreign dependency, asserting, “La souveraineté ne se décrète pas, elle se construit, se défend et s’assume.”
In response, General Tiani thanked Déby for what he described as a “fraternelle et stratégique” visit and stressed the importance of revitalizing ties between the two neighboring states.
“Réactiver la coopération entre nos deux États” is now seen as essential to overcoming shared challenges, he noted.
President Déby concluded his remarks by reaffirming Chad’s readiness to support Niger’s transitional path, pledging “une écoute bienveillante et un appui concret” without imposing external judgments.
A joint communiqué was issued following the day’s events, outlining specific agreements: strengthened security cooperation in the Lake Chad region, accelerated economic initiatives such as pipeline construction and fuel supply, optical fibre interconnectivity, joint energy development at Salkadamna, and visa-free travel to boost regional mobility. The communiqué also confirmed the regular convening of the Joint Cooperation Commission, with the next session scheduled for N’Djamena.
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