UPDATE: We Will Return To Democracy In 18 Months, Chad President Assures Buhari

The Chadian Transitional Military Council has assured the global community that the country would return to democratic rule within 18 months.

This came as President Muhammadu Buhari assured the Chad Republic of Nigeria’s readiness to assist the country in its transitional programme to return the country to constitutional rule within the set target time.

In a statement issued by Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, President Buhari spoke on Friday at the State House, when he hosted Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, in the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The later President of Chad, Marshal Idriss Deby Itno, died last month after sustaining an injury while leading troops to fight insurgents, who have come into the country through Libya.

Following his death, the country set up a transitional council, which was headed by the son of the Late President, and promised a return to democratic order in the next 18 months.

“We are bound together by culture and geography, and we will help in all ways we can,” President Buhari told his visitor.

“Nigerians know and appreciate the role Chad played in helping us to combat terrorism and we will continue the collaboration,” he said.

Talking about the late Marshal Itno, Buhari said he “was a personal friend, and a friend of Nigeria, and Chad has been very steadfast in defending Nigeria,” so the country should not hesitate to ask for help in areas it deemed necessary.

President Buhari said Nigeria would help strengthen the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), adding; “We will also help you to ensure a smooth transition in 18 months, as you have promised your people.”

In his speech, Lt. Gen. Itno thanked Nigeria for the solidarity shown after the passage of the former President, noting that the main objective of the Transitional Military Council “is the security and cohesion of our country.”

He recommitted to democratic, free, fair polls in 18 months, telling President Buhari: “You were very close to Marshal Itno. I’m here to reaffirm that relationship, and for you to support our transition.

“We rely on our brother country Nigeria, as we have shared history, culture, and geography. We are ready to be guided by you in our journey to constitutional rule,” he said.