List of Presidents of Chad: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Chad from 1960 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Chad, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Chad: Mahamat Déby (in office since 2021).

Presidents of Chad in order, with years in office

François Tombalbaye

Served: 1960–1975

First president of independent Chad (later named N'Garta Tombalbaye); killed in the coup of 13 April 1975.

Noël Milarew Odingar

Served: 1975

Led the military junta for two days after Tombalbaye's overthrow.

Félix Malloum

Served: 1975–1979

Army general who led the military government until he resigned in March 1979.

Goukouni Oueddei

Served: 1979–1982

Led a provisional council in 1979 and then the national unity transitional government until he was deposed in June 1982.

Lol Mahamat Choua

Served: 1979

Held the presidency from April to September 1979.

Hissène Habré

Served: 1982–1990

Took power in June 1982 and ruled until he was overthrown in 1990.

Idriss Déby

Served: 1990–2021

Took power in December 1990 and died on 20 April 2021 after clashes with rebels.

Mahamat Déby

Served: 2021–present

Son of Idriss Déby; led a military council from April 2021, became transitional president in 2022 and won the May 2024 election, taking office on 23 May 2024.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Chad

Who is the current president of Chad?

The current head of state of Chad is Mahamat Déby, in office since 2021.

Who were the previous presidents of Chad?

The presidents and heads of state of Chad listed on this page, in order, are: François Tombalbaye, Noël Milarew Odingar, Félix Malloum, Goukouni Oueddei, Lol Mahamat Choua, Hissène Habré, Idriss Déby, Mahamat Déby.

Who was the first president of Chad?

François Tombalbaye was the first president of Chad, in office 1960–1975.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of heads of state of Chad; AP and BBC reports on the 2024 election (checked Nov 2026). Chad has had eight heads of state since 1960.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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