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Young Chadian leader sees partner, role model in Sisi

Mahamat ibn Idriss Deby Itno is seeking Cairo's support to manage the country's transition.

Mahamat Idriss Deby (C) sits in the honor tribune during the state funeral for his father, Chadian President Idriss Deby, in N'Djamena, on April 23, 2021.
Mahamat Idriss Deby (C) sits in the honor tribune during the state funeral for his father, Chadian President Idriss Deby, in N'Djamena, on April 23, 2021. — CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

CAIRO  — On Jan. 5, Mahamat ibn Idriss Deby Itno, head of Chad's Transitional Military Council, arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The visit raised questions about its motives and implications as well as the nature of Egypt's role in Chad.

Deby wrote on Twitter, “This official visit falls within the dynamic framework of consolidating our bilateral cooperation, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and friendship, and exploring new horizons for partnership.”

The Chadian presidency tweeted, “Chad and Egypt are strengthening ties, as cooperation and friendship have been well-established for a long time,” noting that the visit was intended to strengthen cooperation and solidify the friendship with Cairo.

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