Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the president-elect of Chad, was officially sworn in on Thursday in a ceremony held in the capital city of N’Djamena. The event was attended by several regional leaders, marking a significant moment in Chad’s political landscape.

Deby’s inauguration follows a week after the constitutional council confirmed his victory in the contested May 6 election, where he secured 61% of the vote. His ascent to power began three years ago after the death of his father, Idriss Déby, who ruled Chad for three decades with an iron grip.

Despite his initial promise to hold elections within 18 months, Deby’s government postponed the poll and later allowed him to run for president. Opposition leader Succes Masra, who garnered 18.5% of the vote, challenged the election results, citing concerns over credibility and freedom, but his efforts proved unsuccessful. Masra resigned as Prime Minister on Wednesday and did not attend the inauguration ceremony.

The election, described by international NGOs as neither credible nor free, highlights ongoing political tension and challenges within Chad. This election marks Chad as the first in a series of countries in the region to hold elections following a wave of coups over the past four years.