Chad: Presidential candidates to stage election campaign rallies in N'Djamena May 4

The leading candidates vying for Chad's presidency in the nation's May 6 election plan to stage campaign rallies in N'Djamena on May 4. The first of the events has been organized by incumbent President Mahamat Idriss Deby's Patriotic Salvation Movement party and will take place near Place de la Nation starting at 08:00. The second gathering will be in support of challenger and Prime Minister Succes Masra's Les Transformateurs party; Masra's rally will take place on the grounds of the Hippodrome complex located next to the Idriss Mahamat Ouya Stadium starting at 15:00. Previous election-related rallies have attracted several thousand participants.

A heightened security presence and localized transport and business disruptions are almost certain city-wide. Clashes with security forces remain possible, particularly if demonstrators are overly disruptive or ignore police orders to disperse. Several foreign embassies in Chad, including those of the US and France, are advising their nationals in the country to exercise increased vigilance, to avoid polling places, and keep away from any demonstrations over the coming days due to potential tensions surrounding the upcoming polls.