N’DJAMENA: The government of Chad has declared the German ambassador to the country, Jan Christian Gordon Kricke, persona non grata and expelled him for his “impolite attitude,” officials confirmed on Sunday.
Kricke was given two days to leave the country following allegations of non-respect for diplomatic practices. The ambassador departed on Saturday evening on an Air France flight.
Although the exact reasons for Kricke’s expulsion have not been disclosed, a government official stated that he had been critical of the diplomat’s “interference” in the “governance of the country” and his “remarks tending to divide Chadians.” Kricke has held the post since July 2021.
The move has been met with criticism from the German foreign ministry, which called the reasons for the expulsion “absolutely incomprehensible.”
Germany expresses concern over Ambassador’s expulsion
Kricke’s expulsion follows concerns expressed by the German embassy and other countries, including France, Spain, and The Netherlands, over the delayed return to democracy in Chad.
Chad has been ruled by Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who was proclaimed head of state by the army in April 2021 following his father’s death, who had led the country for 30 years.
The military junta initially promised to hand power to civilians through “free and democratic elections,” but in October, Deby’s rule was extended for two years.
The move has been boycotted by the opposition and main rebel movements, with opposition leaders in exile or hiding since violent demonstrations in October left dozens dead.
The German ambassador’s expulsion from Chad highlights growing concerns over the country’s political stability and the government’s commitment to democracy.
