N’Djaména’s bustling Place de la Nation played host to a grand military parade on August 11th, as Chad marked 66 years since gaining independence. Similar ceremonies unfolded in key cities across the nation, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
President Mahamat Déby Itno stood shoulder to shoulder with two distinguished guests of honor—Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, President of Madagascar’s Refondation, and General Horta Inta-A, leader of Guinea-Bissau’s transitional government—as they observed the military showcase.
The hour-long procession highlighted the prowess of Chad’s Defense and Security Forces, boasting over 5,000 active personnel, as confirmed by the General Staff of the Chadian Armed Forces. Each unit demonstrated precision and readiness, reinforcing national pride in the nation’s military capabilities.
Earlier that day, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno paid a solemn tribute at N’Djaména’s Monument aux Morts, laying a wreath in honor of fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Chad, once under French colonial rule, secured its independence on August 11, 1960. Since assuming office in May 2024, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has pledged to prioritize expanding the nation’s international partnerships as a cornerstone of future progress.