Chad to further postpone transition to democracy
Chad extended the transition period to democratic elections and agreed junta leader Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno could run on the ballot, despite international opposition.
The decisions were made by a national reconciliation dialogue forum, which has been boycotted by most opposition members, two out of three main armed rebel groups and civil society organisations.
The forum adopted by "consensus" a measure to "extend the transition for a maximum of 24 months".
Chad, one of the world's poorest countries, has endured repeated uprisings and unrest since gaining independence from France in 1960.
The hundreds of delegates also decided that Deby would not only continue as transitional president but be eligible to run for the presidency when elections are held.
These decisions will face "resistance from political parties, civil society and the African Union", said Chadian political scientist Evariste Ngarlem.
Neither the European Union nor the United States would accept Deby's eligibility to run or the extended transition period, Ngarlem said.
"These partners will take sanctions against Chad and the Transitional Military Council's back will be up against a wall," the analyst added, using the junta's formal name.
Government spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah said there would be a debate before an official decision was announced.
