The President of Chad’s Parliament, Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi, inaugurated the ordinary session on May 20, 2026, in a solemn ceremony held in N’Djamena. His address, laced with both solemnity and resolve, underscored pressing security concerns and the urgent need for institutional reforms. The President called for national unity, political accountability, and the strengthening of the rule of law as cornerstones for Chad’s future.

In his opening remarks, Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi paid tribute to the fallen soldiers who perished in recent clashes with Boko Haram in the Lac region. Describing the moment as “a particularly harrowing time for our Nation,” he highlighted the sacrifices made by the defense and security forces in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.

The President also honored the memory of Member of Parliament Haoua Outman Djame, who passed away on March 26, 2026. He praised her unwavering dedication to parliamentary duty, her integrity, and her unwavering commitment to the nation’s republican values. A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of victims of recent terrorist and intercommunal violence that has shaken the country.

The session’s agenda features two critical priorities. First, lawmakers will review and revise the Parliament’s internal regulations to align them with the revised Constitution of December 17, 2023. Second, they will deliberate on the government’s request to extend the state of emergency in the Lac region by an additional 45 days. The government initially declared the emergency on May 7, 2026, for a 21-day period to intensify counterterrorism operations and protect local communities.

The address also celebrated Chad’s growing diplomatic influence on the African continent. The President highlighted the appointment of Senator Mariam Mahamat Nour as Vice President of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the election of Deputy Djidda Mamar Mahamat as the third Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament.

Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi strongly rejected allegations from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding alleged incidents involving security forces and fishermen in the Lac region. He dismissed the claims as “a distorted and erroneous interpretation of events” and reaffirmed the Parliament’s full support for President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and the armed forces engaged in the fight against terrorism.

Addressing intercommunal violence in the Dar Tama department of the Wadi Fira region, the President urged dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence to prevent further escalation. He emphasized the Parliament’s historic responsibility to address the nation’s challenges, urging lawmakers to work diligently toward building “a stable, secure, united, and prosperous Chad.”

With the ordinary session now officially underway, Chad’s Parliament stands at the forefront of efforts to navigate the country’s complex security landscape and institutional reforms.