Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno (born 1984), widely known as “Kaka,” is the President of Chad, having formally assumed office following his election in May 2024. He first came to power in April 2021 as head of a Transitional Military Council (TMC) after the death of his father, long-serving President Idriss Déby Itno, who was killed while visiting troops on the frontline. His sudden rise marked a rare instance of dynastic succession through military authority in contemporary Africa. Déby’s presidency represents a transition from military rule to an elected government, though the 2024 elections were contested by opposition groups, who questioned their credibility and inclusiveness. Internationally, he is viewed as a critical regional security actor, given Chad’s central role in counterterrorism operations across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. Domestically, his leadership faces the dual challenge of consolidating legitimacy after the transition while addressing deep-seated political grievances, economic hardship, and security threats.