Execution of General Déby's Main Rival Shocks Nation
The shocking execution of General Déby's main rival draws attention. Allegations arise amidst conflicting reports, stirring up political unrest.
“Execution” of Yaya Dillo Djérou Sparks Controversy
Yaya Dillo Djérou, the main opponent of Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, was fatally shot on Wednesday. His party alleges that he was executed by the military to remove him from the upcoming presidential race, while the government claims it was an exchange of fire. The election, scheduled in two months, was set to pit him against his cousin, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, head of the junta. The government denies the accusation.
A photo, yet to be authenticated, has been circulating on social media, purportedly showing Yaya Dillo Djérou's remains with a gunshot wound to the temple.
The Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF) and other opposition leaders have labeled the incident as an "assassination" aimed at preventing Yaya Dillo Djérou from participating in the May 6 presidential election. The PSF spokesperson specifically accuses the presidential guard, responsible for the president's security, of leading the assault on the party headquarters in N'Djamena. Witnesses reported seeing trucks filled with these "red berets" heading towards the besieged building amidst heavy gunfire and explosions.
The PSF secretary general, Robert Gamb, protests against the use of excessive force, claiming that their unarmed opponent was alone in an office. However, the Communications Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, denies the execution accusation, stating that Yaya Dillo Djérou refused to surrender, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The minister also claims that the opponent had shot at the police.
Two days after the assault, calm returns to N'Djamena, with most of the deployed armored vehicles and soldiers withdrawn. However, the PSF headquarters is being demolished under heavy army security.
According to the government, Yaya Dillo Djérou was wanted for allegedly plotting an assassination attempt on the President of the Supreme Court and leading an attack on the headquarters of the intelligence services.
Yaya Dillo Djérou was known as one of Mahamat Déby's fiercest opponents and was feared by the Déby clan, to which he belonged, according to political scientists. He hailed from the Zaghawa family and ethnic group, which, despite being a small minority in Chad, has held the highest positions in the military and state apparatus for over 33 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy surrounding the death of Yaya Dillo Djérou?
The death of Yaya Dillo Djérou, the main opponent of Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, has sparked a controversy with conflicting claims of execution and an exchange of fire.
Why does Yaya Dillo Djérou's party allege that he was executed?
Yaya Dillo Djérou's party claims that he was executed by the military to remove him from the upcoming presidential race, where he would have been a contender against his cousin, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.
Is there evidence to support the allegation of execution?
A photo circulating on social media, although not authenticated, purportedly shows Yaya Dillo Djérou's remains with a gunshot wound to the temple.
What is the government's response to the accusation?
The government denies the allegation of execution and maintains that Yaya Dillo Djérou refused to surrender, leading to an exchange of gunfire during the incident.
Why is the demolition of the party headquarters significant?
The demolition of the party headquarters of Yaya Dillo Djérou's party under heavy army security has raised concerns about the use of excessive force.
What was Yaya Dillo Djérou's background and significance?
Yaya Dillo Djérou was known as one of Mahamat Déby's fiercest opponents and belonged to the Zaghawa family and ethnic group, which has held influential positions in Chad's military and state apparatus for over 33 years.
