Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno winner of the 2026 African Peace Prize. He was appointed by international experts meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.
The African Peace Conference in charge of the prize justified the choice by the actions of the Chadian president in favor of political stability in his country, in particular the peaceful management of the transition. Another element taken into account is the reception of refugees in Chad, including many Sudanese fleeing the war which has been tearing their country apart since April 2023, saving thousands of lives.
Aged 40, General Mahamat Déby Itno arrived at the head of his country after the death of his father, Marshal Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. He was declared the winner of the May 2024 presidential elections.
The Chadian head of state will receive his prize at the beginning of February 2026 in Nouakchott, at the opening of the 6th African Peace Conference. While opponent Succès Masra has been in detention for eight months. He is being prosecuted for inciting hatred.
