The Chadian government’s decision to expel the German ambassador is “regrettable” and “a particularly hostile gesture,” a spokesperson for EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell said on Wednesday.
Chad's government had announced the expulsion on Friday evening, accusing the German ambassador of “discourteous behaviour” and “non-respect of diplomatic customs.” However, it gave no details of the alleged offenses.
In reaction to the expulsion, deemed “unjustified,” the German government announced on Tuesday the expulsion of the Chadian ambassador to Berlin, Mariam Ali Moussa.
EU diplomatic service spokeswoman Nabila Massrali said the decision to expel the German ambassador was "regrettable." It was "a particularly hostile gesture in view of the long-standing partnership and engagement of the EU and its member states in Chad, including in the context of the ongoing transition,” she added.
Jan Christian Gordon Kricke had been Germany’s ambassador to Chad since July 2021.
A Chadian government source told French news agency AFP on condition of anonymity that the authorities had criticised the diplomat for, among other things, “interfering too much” in the “governance of the country”, and “remarks tending to divide Chadians”.
However, the German foreign ministry said “Ambassador Kricke had performed his duties in an exemplary manner and was committed to human rights and the rapid transition to civilian government in Chad.”
Diplomatic Service Spokesperson Massrali said the EU reiterated the importance of a rapid return to constitutional order and a time-limited transition that guarantees respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
An inclusive process supported by all civil and political actors is essential to ensure the credibility and legitimacy of the ongoing process and thus the success of the transition, she said, adding that the EU would continue to insist on these points, which are important conditions for its partnership with Chad.
General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno took over as head of Chad in April 2021, following the announcement of the death of his father, Idriss Déby Itno, who was killed on the front line against rebels after ruling the vast Sahelian country for 30 years.
Mahamat Déby promised Chadians and the international community at the time to return power to civilians through “free and democratic elections” and not to run for president.
In October, a national dialogue boycotted by a very large part of the opposition and civil society designated Mr Déby as president of a “transition,” extended by two years, towards “transparent” elections.
