Emmanuel Macron makes firm commitments at Idriss Déby’s funeral

The only European head of state present in N’Djamena for the funeral of Chad’s President-Marshal Idriss Déby Itno on Friday 23 April, Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to a « faithful ally of France » in the war against terrorism in the Sahel and a man who loved peace. The French President made firm commitments to the Central African country.

France has lost its armed wing in its war against terrorism in the Sahel, in the person of Chad’s President-Marshal Idriss Déby Itno. The only European head of state present in N’Djamena for the funeral today, Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to a « faithful ally of France » and an exemplary man. « After three decades and so many battles fought with bravery, the battles you fought were always aimed at defending your country, preserving stability and peace, fighting for freedom and security. You lived as a soldier, you died as a soldier, with your arms in your hands, » said Emmanuel Macron, in memory of the late President Idriss Déby Itno.

French President Emmanuel Macron recognises that « the war was for Idriss Deby Itno, the ultimate duty to defend his country. And he went to the end of this commitment, without fail, for the defence of Chad and its citizens ». Macron also added that Idriss Déby « commands the respect of all, friends and enemies alike. (…) I share the mourning of a Nation touched in its flesh by the sacrifice of its first soldier. I also share the grief of a friend. You were the first to answer France’s call in 2013 in Mali. (…) For eight years, several thousand of our soldiers have been fighting hard, side by side, in the Sahel.

« Idriss Deby Itno was an exemplary leader and a courageous warrior, but he showed great values in the fields of diplomacy and cooperation, » said the French President, while promising France’s support for the transition process underway in Chad, whose role was recalled for « a peaceful Chad », under the seal of stability, inclusion and dialogue.

Furthermore, it will be a question of standing by the Chadian people to enable them to defend their territorial integrity in the face of possible attacks. « France will not allow the stability of this country to be threatened, either today or tomorrow, » said French President Emmanuel Macron.