Biya recognizes Chad’s transitional government, extends condolences

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya is one of the first world leaders to openly welcome the transitional government in neighbouring Chad after the announcemt of the demise of its president.

In a letter addressed to the country’s transitional leader and son of the deceased, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, he said he had received the news with a heavy heart.

“I salute the memory of this eminent Head of State and Brother. The disappearance of the Marshal of Chad, His Excellency Idriss Deby Itno, is an immense loss for your country, Central Africa and our continent, which he will have served tirelessly, and for many years” President Biya wrote.

“In this tragic circumstance I would like to address to you and Madam Hinda Deby Itno, to the government and to the bereaved Chadian Nation, My most sincere condolences” his letter read further.

In this time of sadness, he noted that Cameroon and Cameroonians were with Chad in spirit. “I associate with it the feeling of fraternal solidarity of the Cameroonian people and the emotional compassion of my Wife. Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration” he ended.

In addition to being fervent regional trade partners, Cameroon and Chad had a lot more in common, including a common enemy, the Boko Haran terrorist sect. the death of Idriss Deby Itno comes as a blow to not only both countries, but also to other countries engaged in the active fight against Boko Haram, given the physical and pyschological contributions the deceased who too was a military general often brought to the table.