France, March 18 -- As elections approach in Chad, the country's civil society fears that nothing will change. The vote should mark the country's transition back to democracy after three years of military government, but the opposition says France, which has a military presence there, has an interest in maintaining the status quo.

Mahamat Idriss Deby, who took power at the head of a military junta in April 2021 after the death of his father, long-time presidentIdriss Deby Itno, is running in the election scheduled for6 May, with a second round on 22 June. Prime Minister Succes Masra is standing against him.

A major issue for Chad is the presence of French troops in the country. Earlier this month France's special envoy to Africa,Jean-Ma...