As Chad prepares to mark its 66th independence anniversary, scheduled for August 11, 2026, Pahimi Padacké Albert, chairman of the Rassemblement national des démocrates tchadiens (RNDT-Le Réveil) and leading opposition figure, has issued a heartfelt call for national unity, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.
In a solemn address to the Chadian people, the former Prime Minister emphasized the gravity of the moment, speaking with humility and a deep sense of responsibility. He highlighted the current political climate, noting that this celebration unfolds against a backdrop of simmering tensions and widespread frustration stemming from a pervasive sense of exclusion.
« This year, we celebrate our freedom amid a quietly tense political atmosphere and deep-seated frustrations fueled by multidimensional exclusion, » Pahimi Padacké remarked. He underscored the urgent need for dialogue and openness to bridge divides and foster mutual understanding.
Addressing the nation directly, he urged all citizens to embrace unity and called upon President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to take decisive action to strengthen national cohesion. « Today, I again appeal, with full responsibility, for unity, reconciliation, and an open spirit, » he stated.
In a pointed message to the Head of State, Pahimi Padacké stressed the importance of constitutional measures to address exclusion and unite the nation. « As we stand on the threshold of this celebration, I solemnly call upon all Chadians—and foremost among them, the President of the Republic, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno—to take bold steps that dispel exclusion and bring our people together as one family. Let the constitutional tools at the President’s disposal be used to restore freedom to political figures unjustly detained. Let genuine political openness, rooted in sincere, fraternal, and patriotic dialogue, pave the way for this spirit of reconciliation—one that honors our nation’s rich political, cultural, and religious diversity, » he declared.
