The African Union (AU), the Presidency of the G5 Sahel and France, all expressed their “surprise” at the decision of the Trump Administration to make Chadian nationals undesirable in the USA from October 18. Everyone is unanimous: Chad is an important ally in the fight against terrorism.
France and the countries of the G5 Sahel “surprised”, the AU “puzzled” and Chad itself animated by a feeling of “injustice. Donald Trump’s “travel ban” targeting the country of Idriss Deby is badly perceived in the Sahel. In a statement, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, Malian Head of State and current chairman of the G5 Sahel, said that “this decision could affect the commitment of Chad, which is a key partner in the fight against terrorism”. Before calling for the lifting of “sanctions” to “maintain international peace and regional stability”.
Referring to an “unjust measure”, the African Union also recalled “the important role” played by Chad in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad basin, in northern Mali and throughout the Sahel. The same is true at France’s side which considers Idriss Déby as “a decisive partner”. France, which is also present in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel through the Barkhane force and which has its headquarters in Ndjamena, hopes for the “rapid lifting of this ban” imposed by Donald Trump.
The Americans, who recognize the importance of the Chadians with whom they have already conducted several military exercises, accuse Idriss Déby of “not meeting all the security requirements” and the fact that “several terrorists are active on its territory”.
Aboubacar Dicko