Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has been awarded the 2026 African Peace Prize, with organisers citing his role in steering Chad’s political transition peacefully and managing the country’s humanitarian response to the Sudan conflict.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the African Conference for Peace, which said Déby’s leadership helped stabilise Chad during a sensitive post-transition period while the country absorbed tens of thousands of refugees fleeing violence in neighbouring Sudan.
Since the outbreak of war in Sudan, Chad has become one of the main safe havens for displaced civilians, particularly in its eastern regions. The Chadian government has worked with international agencies to keep borders open, provide emergency shelter, and coordinate food, health, and security support for refugees despite limited national resources.
The African Conference for Peace noted that Chad’s response stood out at a time when many countries were tightening borders or struggling with internal instability. According to the organisation, Déby’s administration prioritised humanitarian access and avoided politicising the refugee influx, helping to prevent spillover violence and regional escalation.
Beyond the refugee crisis, the prize also recognises Déby’s handling of Chad’s political transition following years of military-led governance. Organisers said the transition process, though closely watched and at times criticised, avoided large-scale unrest and preserved national cohesion in a volatile Sahelian environment.
Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who assumed leadership after the death of his father in 2021, has positioned himself as a stabilising figure in a region grappling with coups, insurgencies, and humanitarian emergencies. Chad remains a key security partner for several African states and international actors operating in the Sahel.
Reactions to the award have been mixed. Supporters see it as recognition of pragmatic leadership under pressure, while critics argue that Chad still faces governance and human rights challenges that require deeper reforms. Nonetheless, the African Conference for Peace said the prize reflects impact rather than perfection, emphasising conflict prevention, humanitarian responsibility, and regional stability.
The African Peace Prize is awarded annually to African leaders and institutions deemed to have made significant contributions to peace, dialogue, and conflict management on the continent.
