Buhari in Chad, asks for "the way to a sustainable democracy"

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in N'Djamena joined the celebrations of the people of the Republic of Chad as he inaugurated his interim administration to lead the country to elections and the formation of a democratic government.

The Nigerian leader, who is the current Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Countries (LCBC), earlier held a bilateral meeting with the Chadian Head of State, Mahamat Deby,

A statement by Garba Shehu, the president's spokesman, Monday in Abuja said the meeting between the two leaders took place shortly before the inauguration of Deby Itno as head of the transitional government to oversee the transition process.

Mr. Buhari congratulated the leader of the country on behalf of the LCBC for gaining the confidence of the majority of Chadians to carry out the transition process.

The President also commended the participants of the just-concluded Inclusive National Dialogue for the patriotism they demonstrated in pulling their country off the path of instability and repositioning it for sustainable governance and development .

He expressed hope that the event would "hopefully put an end to the painful phase in Chadian political history that led to the sad passing of one of Chad's most illustrious sons, the late Marshal Idriss Deby itno".

Mr. Buhari praised the responsible engagement of the Chadian state in the sub-region and beyond.

He cited the "very active involvement of the country in collective activities for peace within the LCBC and the MNJTF, the Sahel and in the reactivation of its relationship with Sudan", which, according to him, are exemplary.

The President expressed his hope and that of the LCBC, which he chairs, that "today's event will usher in another period of peace and stability in Chad and our sub-region in order to building on the achievements of previous efforts".

He urged all stakeholders in the Chadian political process to work towards the consolidation and restoration of a resolute, resilient and sustainable democracy for the benefit of the good people of Chad.

During the ceremony, the head of the transitional government thanked Mr. Buhari for the warmth and friendliness he has shown towards the country and the sub-region, in particular to ensure peace and stability.

Mr. Itno congratulated the President of the LCBC for his historic interventions in defending the interests of the Chad Basin and Africa in general.

He noted that Mr. Buhari's leadership had had an impact.

The Chadian leader promised to put in place a transition process that would reflect the will of the people.

He also pledged to focus more on improving poverty through quality education, better health facilities and sustainable infrastructure.

Mr. Buhari has since returned to Abuja after the ceremony in N'Djamena.

(NAN)

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