Chad president sworn in for new 5-year term

Chad President Idriss Deby Itno has been sworn in for a fifth consecutive five-year term, following his April 10 electoral victory that was contested by the opposition.

The swearing in ceremony that was held on Monday in the capital N'Djamena, was attended by 14 other African leaders.

Deby, who came to power in 1990 after overthrowing the then president Hissene Habre, won the April 10, 2016 elections in the first round with 59.92 percent of the votes.

The event held at a hotel in N'Djamena went on without any major incident, but under heavy police surveillance.

Speaking after being sworn in by the president of Chad's Constitutional Council Nagoum Yamassoum, Deby promised to continue with the work of modernizing the country's infrastructure and maintain peace and security.

"I appeal to all my fellow citizens, wherever they may be, that regardless of our differences, we should work together to rebuild our nation," he said in his speech.

"The next five years will be characterized by reforms both in our judiciary as well as in the public administration," he said.

He further promised to ensure his country achieves economic development by promoting transparency in the spending of public resources. Endit